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Local Flavour To V8 Supercars

The V8 Supercar Championship Grand Finale place-getters will take home a little piece of Phillip Island when they leave.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 23rd November 2006 - Back to News

The trophies are being designed by Bass resident Ian Cole, who won the competition run by Bass Coast Shire Council to design the trophies.

"I happened to see an ad in the local newspaper calling for expressions of interest from local artists to make trophies for the event," said Mr Cole.

"The actual concept came to me in minutes.

"I rang Gaston Vanzet, a local graphic artist to get some help putting my sketch into a professional image," continued Mr Cole.

Having secured the tender, Mr Cole who is an engineering patternmaker by trade, set to work on building the trophies.

The final design had to work within certain guidelines set down in the competition. Jarrah and silver ash, two natural Australian timbers have been used, giving a contrasting look.

"The top of the trophy is an aluminium casting in the shape of the Phillip Island Circuit," explained Mr Cole.

"And the base is in the shape of Phillip Island."

"I had to use a bit of poetic license with the shapes, just to get the design to balance.

Mr Cole said about six different companies were involved in producing the trophies, including Allan Kent, from local company ASK Racing Products, who assisted in the computerised machining needed to cut the mid section of the trophy.

The trophies – for first, second and third place - will be on display at the V8 Supercar Championship Grand Finale breakfast which will be held at Crown Casino on 7 December.

Council’s Visitor Services Manager, Peter Francis said the trophy competition had been a terrific way to get a true local flavour for the event.

"We are incredibly proud to sponsor the trophies and enable one of our local artists to be recognised," said Mr Francis.

"It is a great way to support both the V8 Supercars and our local community."

In 2005, 66,000 people attended the event over three days and similar numbers are anticipated this year. In line with previous years’ attendance patterns, the largest crowd numbers are expected on the Sunday.

People not attending the event are advised to plan their trips in order to avoid inconvenience from the V8 Supercar traffic.

The following traffic management plans will be in place to cater for the crowds attending the event:

• Saturday, 9 December – traffic to the Circuit from Cowes will be via Berrys Beach Road.
• Sunday, 10 December – Back Beach Road will be one way in and one way out from the Circuit.
• Sunday, 10 December - the Blue Line will operate to Grantville.

Because the event is running later in the year than usual, there is the possibility of significant other traffic in the area due to holiday makers, beach visitors, hot weather and the usual summer activities. Motorists are urged to take the likelihood of additional traffic into any plans they make for the weekend of 8-10 December.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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