Gippsland › Latest news › Russell Broadbent MP

Phillip Island to host the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships twice in 2022

Morrison Government has supported Phillip Island's bid to host the two events with $150,000 of funding through the Recovery for Regional Tourism program.

By news@gippsland - 9th December 2021 - Back to News

Phillip Island has won the race to host the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships twice in 2022, with race weekends to be held at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 18-20 March and 25-26 June 2022.

The Recovery for Regional Tourism program is an initiative of the Government's $1 billion COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund

Boost for the local economy

As one of the most famous motor race tracks in Australia, Member for Monash Russell Broadbent welcomed today's announcement. "Hosting not one but two major events at Phillip Island in 2022 will be a big boost for the local economy as tourists and racing enthusiasts come and enjoy all that Phillip Island has to offer."

"This will support local jobs and small businesses and I know that tourists will not only enjoy the racing but also the region's scenic walks and trails, the local wildlife, including the popular Penguin Parade, bustling restaurants and cafes, and a helicopter flight or adventure jet boat cruise."

Becoming a tourist destination

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said that events such as these will capitalise on the pent-up demand for travel that exists in Australia. "We know that 61% of Australians are thinking about booking an interstate holiday, and these events will ensure that Phillip Island is a top tourist destination when they book their next trip."

With the support of Destination Phillip Island, the two rounds will feature a wide mix of categories, with the Australian Racing Group categories, including Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia (Motorsport Australian GT Championship), VHT S5000 Australian Drivers' Championship and the Turtle Wax National Trans Am Series among those who will feature at the March event.

The full Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships 2022 calendar will be revealed in the coming weeks and tickets for the two Phillip Island events are expected to go on sale soon.

Reviving the industry

Destination Phillip Island General Manager, Kim Storey said, "Phillip Island has a long history of hosting the best motorsport events in Australia, as well as home to two world class championships."

"We are excited to host two Shannon's Championships with a super line up of categories to attract race fans from across Australia to our breathtaking iconic venue. The tourism industry is reviving and attracting teams and spectators to the Island at these events is really important to our local industry." Mr Storey said.

Wide range opportunity

Motorsport Australia CEO, Eugene Arocca said, "The Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships calendar wouldn't be complete without a visit to the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit."

"To have two rounds on Phillip Island this year is a wonderful opportunity for a wide range of Motorsport Australia's national categories to enjoy plenty of track time at a circuit drivers love to race at.

"These two events wouldn't be possible without the support of the Australian Government and Destination Phillip Island, so on behalf of Motorsport Australia and all our teams and competitors, we are truly grateful for this support. With our world class officials working alongside the team at Phillip Island, we can't wait for both these events to take place in 2022." Mr Aroca concluded.

Pictures from Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com