Island format dumped after harsh criticism
18/2/2000 23:08 (Jason Whittaker) - AVESCO has announced that Phillip Island's two-day, two-race format used for Round 1 of the Shell Series last weekend will be axed following a barrage of criticism from angry V8 fans.
Conceding the event had failed from a spectator point of view, AVESCO Chairman Tony Cochrane has decided to retain the two 45-minute races in 2001, however both races will now be held on the Sunday of the event.
Fans in attendance over the weekend complained at only being able to see one race on Sunday, while the admission price to attend both days was extremely high.
"There were some things we got wrong and we are an organisation that when we get things wrong we make changes....we are going to respond to the fans and what the fans want," Cochrane told Auto Action this week.
A top 10 or 20 qualifying shootout is being considered for the Saturday, while the VB Monster BBQ, which gave fans the chance to meet their favouite drivers, will be moved from Friday night to Saturday evening.
The compulsory pit-stop will remain in place for both races, next year.
Traffic to and from the Island was also a major concern for race organisers, with some fans experiencing one hour delays to get off the Island on Sunday night. The traffic situation is being reviewed.
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