Super event to replace GP
The Bass Coast Festival of Motorsport, a weekend of elite motorsport action, has been scheduled for October 22-24
A new event, featuring Supercars and Superbikes is coming to Phillip Island.
The Bass Coast Festival of Motorsport, described by the state government as a weekend of elite motorsport action, has been scheduled for October 22-24, replacing the MotoGP.
Headlined by a round of the marquee Supercars series, the Minister for Tourism Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula said the event will attract thousands of visitors to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and the wider Bass Coast region in October.
In addition to the Supercars’ Phillip Island Supersprint, the Bass Coast Festival of Motorsport will boast Australian Superbikes and Porsche Carrera Cup championship racing. Further attractions could be added with talks with other championship bodies continuing.
The four and two-wheel bonanza will provide a feast of racing action and a major fillip for local businesses in the wake of the cancellation of the 2021 Australian MotoGP due to the ongoing impact of the global pandemic on international motorsport.
When the Moto GP was cancelled in July, Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari described it as a “real blow”, saying the MotoGP was the biggest sporting event in regional Victoria and major event on the Bass Coast event calendar.
“The economic benefit it brings to Bass Coast Shire is in excess of $30 million,” Cr Tessari told the Advertiser at the time.
"The decision to cancel on the back of last year will compound the major negative economic impact for the whole region and especially for Phillip Island. For some industries, the event represents up to 10 per cent of their annual income.”
Announcement of the new event will be welcomed by hospitality and accommodation providers in the region, who have been hard hit by the pandemic impacts.
“This new weekend of motorsport action is going to be a major winner for race fans and will provide a real boost for businesses across the Bass Coast," Minister Pakula said.
“We'll see top drivers and riders in multiple championships races on a circuit that fans love to come to.”
Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott described the opportunity as a bonanza, having "championship rounds of Supercars leading into Bathurst and one of the final rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship", while Sean Seamer, CEO of Australian Supercars said fans and drivers loved the Phillip Island track.
"It’s exciting to be getting back there for the first time since 2019.”
The Australian MotoGP is contracted to be held at Phillip Island until at least 2026.
Further information on the Bass Coast Festival of Motorsport including ticketing will be available soon at grandprix.com.au.
