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V8 Supercars A Championship Event

The 2005 V8 Supercar championship will be decided at Phillip Island next weekend.

By Bass Coast Shire - 21st November 2005 - Back to News

The BigPond Grand Finale on November 25-27, promises a nail-biting finish to the season, with less than 50 points separating the two top drivers after the Tasmanian race last week.

Who will be the Champion?

Russell Ingall currently holds the top spot, but any of the Top Six drivers could potentially take out the Championship, depending on what happens during the race on Phillip Island next weekend.

In contention for the lead spot are Russell Ingall, Marcos Ambrose, Craig Lowndes, Todd Kelly, Mark Skaife and Steven Richards. Phillip Island will be the final race for current V8 Supercar champion, Tasmanian Marcos Ambrose, who is driving for his third straight championship. Mark Skaife is chasing his sixth title, which would make him the most successful V8 Supercar driver in history.

Skaife believes the 4.44km circuit is the best purpose-built track in the country and offers the fairest possible opportunity to decide the Championship.

"It’s the best purpose built circuit in the Championship by far," Skaife said.

"It’s a track that rewards the best drivers. I am thrilled to be going back there. There’s no better track in Australia to decide a Championship than Phillip Island."

All the drivers will take part in a special open-to-the-public breakfast at Crown Casino in Melbourne on Thursday 24 November, before travelling down to Phillip Island, where there will be a special welcoming presentation on Friday 25 November.

On Phillip Island

The volume of accommodation bookings being experienced on Phillip Island, reflects the huge amount of interest in the event says Bass Coast Shire Council’s Visitor Services Manager, Peter Francis.

"Accommodation on Phillip Island is near capacity.

"There’s no doubt that the interest level in the race is very high," he said.

Traffic Flow

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Special Events Coordinator, Frank Angarane, says there will be a number of initiatives in place to help ease the traffic congestion.

"There will be one-way traffic into the circuit and one-way out on Sunday," he said.

Mr Angarane also confirmed that the Blue Line would be operating on Phillip Island Road and Bass Highway on the Sunday.

"The V8 Supercar drivers will be staying back after the main race to sign autographs for fans.

"That should stagger the flow of people leaving the venue," said Mr Angarane.

"Patrons are also being encouraged to go into Cowes for dinner and to travel off the Island later, to help spread the traffic load.

"One of our major concerns is reaching non-event patrons, so they can be alerted to the traffic issues that will surround the race."

Mr Angarane said a large crowd was expected for the event and that the final ride of Marcos Ambrose was certain to attract the patrons.

A win for families and school children

Mr Angarane said families thinking of attending the BigPond Grande Finale will be pleased to discover that children 12 and under are admitted free.

"In addition, on Friday 25 November, any child in school uniform will be admitted free.

"This is an initiative by event promoter AVESCO to encourage young people to get involved in the sport," Mr Angarane advised.

Anyone needing further information about the event should contact Council on (03) 5671 2211 or (03) 5951 3311, or visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au. Additional information can also be found at www.bigpondgrandfinale.com.au. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.com.au.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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