THE finalisation of the Victorian Motorsport Infrastructure and Participation Strategy Overview has laid out the state’s future on two and four wheels.
The document has now been released, with the creation of a Home of Victorian Motorsport a core focus.
Envisioned as a versatile precinct catering to various forms of motorsport, it is hoped to “significantly reduce the mismatch in demand and supply of motorsport infrastructure that is constraining growth and jeopardising sustainability of the sport and broader industry.”
The paper, released with the support of the Victorian government, outlines plans to also include an advanced pit complex and a Centre of Excellence among other educational/developmental type facilities.
MORE: The full document
Speaking more broadly, Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca hailed the document’s completion.
“We are thrilled with the release of the Victorian Motorsport Infrastructure and Participation Strategy Overview and see it as a very important step in preparing for motorsport’s future in this state,” said Arocca.
“We are extremely grateful for the Victorian government’s ongoing commitment to motorsport and for its support in preparing this strategy.
“This strategy clearly defines what the sport needs in Victoria and how the sport, across all disciplines, can grow further.
“Motorsport is a significant contributor to the Victorian economy and providing more opportunities to participate, whether as a competitor or official, will continue to have a positive impact on the state.
“I can also assure you we are speaking regularly with other state and territory governments to see how we can work with them to identify similar opportunities across the country.”
Karting Australia CEO Kelvin O’Reilly added: “This is an important piece of work that has been a long time coming.
“Quality motorsport facilities have a direct correlation to participation in every discipline of motorsport, no matter whether it is karting, circuit racing on two or four wheels, off road racing, hill climb, motocross or drag racing.
“The Victorian government leads the country with its support of grassroot motorsport; a number of our karting clubs have benefited recently.
“They clearly understand the enormous economic impact that motorsports at all levels and of all disciplines create, that it is not just the big events but all of motorsport that fills most weekends throughout the year.
“This report identifies the need for government and private enterprise investment in infrastructure to ensure that Oscar Piastri, Karting Australia and Karting Victoria’s latest graduate to the ranks of Formula 1, is the first of many Victorians to compete on the world’s biggest motorsport stage this century.”
Motorcycling Australia, Motorcycling Victoria, Karting Victoria and the Australian National Drag Racing Association were among other parties involved in the strategy’s development.
