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Superbikes Draw A Big Crowd

The 2012 Phillip Island Superbike World Championship attracted huge crowds who came to see the best of the best race on the circuit.

By Bass Coast - 28th February 2012 - Back to News

Held over the weekend 24-26 February, visitors showed their enthusiasm by turning up for preshow activities and the main events. Despite temperatures in the high 30’s, numbers were up on last year’s event, with 64,500 fans trackside over the three days.

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community and Economic Development Director, Steven Piasente, said new traffic management processes put in place for the event worked well.

"Although it took a little longer to clear the circuit at the end of the day’s events, there was less inconvenience to residents of the estates near the circuit. It was also much safer for the many patrons who walk to the circuit from the Smiths Beach area."|

The free entertainment on Saturday night in Cowes was a chance for visitors, families and residents to head out and enjoy the line up of bands in Thompson Avenue.

"The warm weather certainly encouraged a lot of people to come out and enjoy the live entertainment," said Mr Piasente.

"Local band, Lionel Loves Vinyl and the Dead Kings Quartet were very popular with the crowd."

Mr Piasente said crowd behaviour on and off the circuit was excellent.

The strong attendance numbers were a boon for the local economy. With many interstate and oversees visitors, accommodation bookings were strong. Many of the teams and support crews have been on Phillip Island for the past fortnight, which has had a positive impact on local businesses.

"The World Superbikes has been coming to Phillip Island for the past 22 years and brings in excess of $20 million into the local economy," said Mr Piasente.

"The weather was superb and the track was in excellent condition. Fantastic images of Phillip Island and Bass Coast have been beamed to a world wide audience. This is likely to encourage local and international visitors to the area and thereby providing an additional economic benefit to the region."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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