A DEAL HAS BEEN BROKERED TO SAVE QUEENSLANDS ONLY V8 SUPERCARS RACE ON A PERMANENT TRACK.
High-level talks organised by Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale appear to have brought peace to the feud between V8 Supercars and Queensland Raceway. Announcing the deal, Cr Pisasale said the event would be staged at Queensland Raceway between April 30 and May 2. V8 Supercars Australia is likely to go ahead and sign the contract, which will provide Queensland Raceway with a one-year lifeline. V8 Supercars acting chief executive Shane Howard has voiced concerns about the ageing circuit at Queensland Raceway. He said if the deal was to be agreed it would only provide a one-year lifeline and ‘some breathing space’ for track management to properly address concerns with the facility.
“Mayor Pisasale has done a great job in getting discussions to this point with his great passion for the region and understanding of the importance this event has for the Ipswich and greater area,” Mr Howard said.
“We stress that this is a short-term fix, not a guarantee that V8 Supercars will host events at Queensland Raceway post-2010.”
I know Paul Pisasale would not let us down. The best mayor in Australia (much more in tune than Ron Clarke. Well done Paul.Shame on Tetley (Operator) who insists on blaming V8SA for track damage when he has done nothing to improve the facilities (including access) in 10 years of profit gouging. Did he really think he would hold the V8′s to ransom? Maybe Paul should look at terminating the lease to Tetley & granting it to someone who not only loves the money but also the sport.The lack of food stalls at last year’s event was abismal. No doubt the rent fees were too high for the usual vans to make a quid out of it, so they didn’t bother.Tetley if you are reading this, perhaps it is time you took a step back, realised that this is not just a private business, but also a public relations exercise for Qld as well as a community service for the V8 racing public. If this does not suit, relinquish the lease for someone who does.Crowd numbers were down last year not for lack of interest, but frustration at exit delays and lack of spectator facilities which have been decreasing yearly.Hopefully the new contract will be accepted by V8SA & the event proceed in Apr/May. Go Paul.