Latrobe to host ‘Pitstop’ on Gardner Grand Prix rideLatrobe City has been selected as a ‘Pitstop’ for food, fuel and accommodation, on a ‘Ride to the Grand Prix with Wayne Gardner’ in October By Latrobe City Council - 16th July 2001 - Back to News Latrobe City has been selected as a ‘Pitstop’ for food, fuel and accommodation, on a 1,037 kilometre length ‘Ride to the Grand Prix with Wayne Gardner’ in October.
Former 500cc-world champion and new Phillip Island Grand Prix ambassador, Wayne Gardner, will head the ride, and is inviting bikers to ride with him all the way from his hometown of Wollongong to the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.
‘Pitstop Latrobe’ is a key feature of the ride, being promoted by Latrobe City’s Economic Development Unit as part of its tourism and events marketing strategy, and is designed to encourage people travelling to and from the Grand Prix in October to use Latrobe City as their pitstop. The marketing program is being supported by the Grand Prix Corporation.
The route chosen for the ‘Ride to the Grand Prix with Wayne Gardner’ takes in some of Australia’s most spectacular coastline – including parts of the Princes, Strzelecki and Bass Highways.
Latrobe’s Major Events Officer, Janiene Ayre, said details of the ride had been announced at the launch of the 2001 Qantas Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, and Victorian Tourism Minister, John Pandazopolous had told Latrobe City representatives that he would be in Morwell for the Gardner cavalcade.
"The ride will start early on the morning of Wednesday, 10 October with a special breakfast at Flagstaff Point in Wollongong, heading south through Ulladulla, Bega and on to an overnight stop at Eden," Ms Ayre explained.
"Latrobe City will host the day-two lunch stop on Thursday, October 11 at Kernot Hall in Morwell where Gardner and riders will be met by Latrobe Mayor, Cr Brendan Jenkins and other dignitaries".
Gardner, whose two Grand Prix victories at the Island in 1989 and 1990 are part of motorcycle racing legend, is renowned for involving his fans in his passion for the sport.
"I really hope lots of riders turn up. It’s not only going to be a great ride and a lot of fun, but it’s going to be a great party as well," he said, "Motorcycle riders are a special breed. They’re very friendly, warm, welcoming people – they’re really nice to be involved with."
Ms Ayre said the ‘Pitstop Latrobe’ marketing program would include the creation of marketing kits for local businesses, opportunities for Morwell traders to win Grand Prix tickets in a window dressing competition, opportunities for Latrobe children to win Grand Prix tickets in a colouring competition, and networking between visitor information centres to obtain customer referrals to Latrobe accommodation providers.
"A ‘Pitstop Latrobe’ web page will be created with links to other Grand Prix sites, and information about Pitstop Latrobe will be included on the Australian Grand Prix web site," Ms Ayre added.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com
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