Race fans are set to get their motors running as the Tasmanian Government and Supercars Australia sign on to continue hosting the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship until 2023.
Premier Will Hodgman said the annual Supercars round at Symmons Plains is Tasmania’s largest event which attracts more than 55,000 people, including over 7,500 interstate visitors.
“The Supercars are a major drawcard on Tasmania’s events calendar. It brings thousands of people to Tasmania who get to enjoy our world class hospitality and showcases our state to over 1.2 million viewers around Australia,” Premier Hodgman said.
“Interstate visitors stay for an average of four nights, and will inject about $6.4 million annually into Tasmania’s visitor economy, which is great news for cafes, restaurants and hotels across Northern Tasmania.”
“The Tasmanian Government has been committed to developing a broad ranging events calendar to encourage visitors to explore every region of Tasmania, and the Supercars’ round shows off the North of our state like no other.”
Supercars Australia Chief Executive Officer, Sean Seamer, said that partnership between Supercars and the Tasmanian Government is delivering for the local community and race fans.
“The ongoing support of the Hodgman Government for Tasmania’s largest annual event ensures we keep coming back to what is a great event,” Mr Seamer said.
“Supercars and motorsport have a rich history in Tasmania with some of the most knowledgeable, passionate and devoted fans in the country. It is fantastic to be able to confirm to them today that Supercars will continue to race live at Symmons Plains.”
The Tasmanian Government will invest a total of $5.6 million over five years to secure the event, as well as $1.75 million with Motorsports Tasmania for safety and amenity improvements at Symmons Plains.
“In 2019 we celebrated 50 years of touring car racing at Symmons Plains and we are excited to partner with Supercars Australia to ensure the tradition continues,” Premier Hodgman said.