Supercars return to the island

Last Friday (October 16), the State Government announced the Supercars would return to Phillip Island from 2027.

The announcement was made in Federation Square by Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines joined by Tickford Racing and Walkinshaw TWG Racing teams.

Confirming rumours that had circulated around the island for several weeks, the Minister said Phillip Island will host a final series round of the Repco Supercars Championship for five years 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.

"Supercars are coming back to Phillip Island, and so are the crowds and the customers for local businesses," said Minister Carbines.

He stressed the five-year commitment saying "regional Victoria deserves major events that keep delivering".

Local MP Jordan Crugnale said the announcement was "fantastic news for Phillip Island and the Bass Coast".

The CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, Travis Auld, described the Phillip Island circuit as one of the "most spectacular and recognisable circuits in Australia".

"We're excited by the opportunity to bring the Repco Supercars Championship back to this beloved venue," he said.

"We have a proven track record delivering world-class sporting events, and we're looking forward to working closely with Supercars, the government and local stakeholders, with the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit providing the perfect stage."

Supercars Executive Chairman and acting CEO, Barclay Nettlefold, said the Supercars celebrate 30 years in 2027.

"It feels incredibly fitting to return to Phillip Island, a circuit that formed part of our championship in 1997 and holds a special place in the history of our sport."

"We're excited to bring the championship back and create a new chapter in that history for our fans, teams and drivers."

The last time a Supercars round was held on Phillip Island was 2019.

Local reaction

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari welcomed the announcement, saying it was fantastic the government was "supporting another flagship motorsport event to our iconic Phillip Island Circuit".w

"We look forward to welcoming the Supercars and their fans back to Phillip Island in 2027."

Destination Phillip Island (DPI) was quick to voice its support for the announcement.

"We thank the Victorian Government for this important commitment," DPI Chair Jeff Webb said.

"Supercars is a first step in rebuilding Phillip Island's major events calendar and restoring confidence for local businesses.

"While no single event can fully replace the significant economic contribution of MotoGP and World Superbikes, this announcement provides positive momentum."

Mr Webb said DPI looked forward to building on the commitment and working with the government on a broader, long-term recovering strategy.

DPI CEO Kim Storey said securing a new major event was encouraging news for a region where one in four jobs is delivered by the visitor economy.

"This five-year commitment is an important boost for local accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism businesses and provides confidence that the region remains a priority," Ms Storey said.

While she said the Supercars represented "meaningful progress", there was still important work to be done, "to replace lost demand across the year and support the broader economic transition facing Phillip Island and San Remo".

"Our goal is a more diverse, resilient and year-round visitor economy that encourages longer stays, supports local jobs and gives visitors new reasons to return."