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V8 Supercars To Hit The Circuit Early

V8 Supercar engines will be roaring onto Phillip Island from 12-14 September, when the Grand Prix Circuit hosts the inaugural Phillip Island 500.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 8th September 2008 - Back to News

In a completely new format, which opens the V8 Supercar season of endurance, the event on Saturday will include two short, 14 lap sprints. They will count for only one third of the points on offer for the weekend, but will decide the composition of the grid for Sunday’s L&H 500.

Council’s Special Events Coordinator, Frank Angarane, said it was important to make local residents aware that the V8 Supercars were coming to town early.

"The event is running earlier in the year than usual and there is the possibility of wet weather impacting on parking at the circuit," Mr Angarane said.

"Electronic sign boards will be used to advise road users of changes to traffic operations."

Mr Angarane said it was a good idea for people not attending the event to plan their trips in order to avoid inconvenience from the V8 Supercar traffic.

"Try and stay off Back Beach Road and Phillip Island Road in the morning and late afternoon, when patrons will be arriving at or leaving the circuit," Mr Angarane said.

"Stay away from roads leading to the circuit, which could be required for wet weather parking."

There will be a number of changes to normal traffic routes throughout the weekend to try and ensure a steady flow of traffic.

Residents are advised of the following traffic management plans:

• Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September- traffic to the Circuit from Cowes will be via Berrys Beach Road.
• Sunday 14 September – Back Beach Road will be one way in and one way out from the Circuit.
• Sunday 14 September - the Blue Line will operate to Anderson.

The event is again proving popular with school groups. V8 Supercar Events has confirmed that 1200 school children will be participating in the popular Student Free Friday program.

Evening activities will also run again this year, but unlike last year, the Jetty Triangle will not be closed.

"We are continuing to implement a new approach to entertainment in Cowes," Mr Angarane said.

"There will be a band set up at the bottom on Thompson Avenue. Instead of turning the Jetty Triangle into a licensed area, the existing licensed premises will extend into the street.

"The advantage of this is the Triangle will remain open and accessible to everyone. We are also hoping that this new arrangement will provide an improved opportunity for existing traders."

The bottom end of Thompson Avenue will be closed from mid morning on Saturday so the stage and band area can be set up and will remain closed until after the entertainment activities finish around midnight.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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