The Future of the Canberra Supercars Proposal: What’s to Come

The proposed Canberra circuit around Exhibition Park. Pic: Supplied

Supercars Could Return to Canberra Despite Setback

After facing a major setback, the proposal to bring the Supercars Championship back to Canberra is still alive and kicking. Despite Australian Capital Territory chief minister Andrew Barr’s skepticism and concerns about funding, Andy Philpott, one of the figureheads behind the Turcin Avis group, remains optimistic.

Funding and Track Modifications

Contrary to Barr’s claims, Philpott believes that funding is not as big of an issue as it has been made out to be. He points out that there are already redevelopment plans for the Exhibition Park precinct, where the proposed track would be located. Only minor modifications would be needed to make it suitable for Supercars racing.

Next Steps and Political Alignment

Turcin Avis’s next step is to seek an explanation from the state Labor government regarding the rejection. If progress cannot be made with Barr, they may consider aligning with the Liberal opposition. Philpott draws inspiration from South Australia, where Labor’s Peter Malinauskas used his Adelaide 500 revival bid to become Premier.

A Better Solution

Philpott is confident that Turcin Avis has come up with a better solution than the previous Canberra street race. They aim to avoid disrupting the city center and have identified Exhibition Park as an ideal location. The existing exhibition building can be modified to incorporate pit entrances, exits, and garage space. The only major costs would be road widening and concrete barriers.

The Importance of Timing

Timing is crucial for the success of the proposed race. Philpott emphasizes that lessons have been learned from past races, and they would schedule the event early or late in the season to ensure suitable weather conditions. They also aim to address resident concerns to avoid backlash similar to what has been experienced in Newcastle.

The Perfect Time for a Race in Canberra

Philpott believes that the timing couldn’t be better for a race in Canberra. The costs are lower now, and the impact on other aspects of the city would be minimal. He sees this as the perfect opportunity to bring Supercars back to the ACT.

Conclusion

Despite a setback and skepticism from the chief minister, the proposal to bring Supercars back to Canberra is still alive. Turcin Avis remains committed and optimistic, with plans to seek an explanation from the government and potentially align with the opposition if necessary. They believe they have a better solution that takes into account various factors and are confident in the timing of the proposed race.

Quote from Website Author: “We’re fully committed to ensuring Canberra gets a race.”

Author’s Conclusion: Bringing Supercars back to Canberra is an exciting prospect that could inject new life into the city. With careful planning and consideration for various factors, Turcin Avis aims to create a race that is not only thrilling but also environmentally conscious. The timing couldn’t be better, and they are determined to make it happen.

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