A big day for island motorsport
Support for the local Festival of Motoring and return of the Supercars - two big announcements for Phillip Island today.
Today was a big day for Phillip Island motoring, with two major announcements on motorsport events.
On the San Remo foreshore this morning, Liberal candidate Rochelle Halstead, flanked by Deputy Opposition leader David Southwick announced a $100,000 commitment to kickstart the new Festival of Motoring, scheduled for March 2027.
At the same time, the State Government was at Federation Square announcing the return of the Supercars to Phillip Island in 2027, locked in until 2031.
The island last hosted the Supercars in 2019.
At San Remo, MP David Southwick said if elected, a Liberal Nationals government would support the inaugural festival, scheduled for three days from March 12 – 14 next year.
“Phillip Island is one of the great motorsport destinations in the world. Losing MotoGP is a big blow, but this community isn’t waiting around. They’ve built a plan, and we’ll back it.”
Both he and Ms Halstead stressed the importance of creating a unique event that was supported by the local community.
Keith Mortimer, President of the Association of Motoring Clubs said the event was “not about politics; it’s about bringing motoring and the community together”.
However, both Southwick and Halstead were quick to blame the current State Government for the loss of the MotoGP and World Superbikes.
“We know the government has announced Supercars today from Federation Square,” said Mr Southwick.
“They don’t care about Bass Coast, they don’t care about the island. We’re here today because we care and we know it all starts with homegrown events.”
Supercars
The announcement by the State Government of the five-year deal with Supercars also mentioned the Festival of Motoring.
The island will host a final series round of the Repco Supercars Championship from 2027 to 2031.
The event will feature the best drivers from Australia and New Zealand racing high-performance Ford Mustangs, Toyota GR Supras and Chevrolet Camaros.
Local MP Jordan Crugnale said it was fantastic news for Phillip Island and Bass Coast, while Minister for Major Events, Anthony Carbines said the Supercars returning to the island would attract crowds and customers for local businesses.
“Labor has locked this in for five years, because regional Victoria deserves major events that keep delivering,” he said.
Read more in next week’s Advertiser.
