AVALON Airport is set to host Victoria’s proposed Home of Motorsport after the state government named it as the preferred home for the racing hub.<\/p>\n
A purpose-built facility including tracks to host elite events has been earmarked for the airport precinct.<\/p>\n
The new hub would cater for a range of motorsport disciplines including motorcycles, karts and drag racing for grassroots events up to top-level competition in an all-encompassing facility that has been roundly praised by sport administrators.<\/p>\n
A 150-hectare plot and $1.6 million of government cash will be set aside to begin design and planning.<\/p>\n
A Home of Victorian motorsport was a priority of a 10-year state infrastructure and participation strategy overview that peak bodies released earlier this month.<\/p>\n
The report found that despite Victoria hosting some of the world’s biggest motorsport events in Formula 1 and MotoGP Grand Prix races, it suffered from “limited quality motorsport infrastructure” for its more than 28,800 participants, which limited the sport’s sustainability and growth.<\/p>\n
It said a dedicated facility for the sport, run by the sport, would address these challenges.<\/p>\n
Motorsport Australia chief executive Eugene Arocca welcomed the move to establish the motorsport home this week.<\/p>\n
“Motorsport is very popular here in Victoria, however the state has been lagging behind due to a lack of accessible venues from the grassroots up to the professional level,” he said.<\/p>\n
“A Home of Motorsport would solve this problem and will serve the Victorian motorsport community for many years to come.”<\/p>\n
Motorcycling, karting and drag racing bodies also welcomed the announcement this week and all contributed to the recent strategic report.<\/p>\n
The move is also a major boost for Avalon Airport. Chief executive officer Tony Brun welcomed the decision, which he said this week would complement its existing property precinct and international operations.<\/p>\n
“We have been selected as the preferred site for the proposed home of motorsport in Victoria, a decision based on Motorsport Australia’s existing participation base, proximity to transport and logistics infrastructure, and the site’s potential for significant development.<\/p>\n
“We have been the regular host for logistics for major motorsports use at our international airport and we look forward to welcoming more members of the motorsport community to our precinct.”<\/p>\n
Planning and design will include how to best configure the track for a wide range of uses. Former Major Projects Victoria executive director Tim Bamford will be project director.<\/p>\n
State government figures said the project would also deliver economic support to the Gelong region and Victoria.<\/p>\n
“Motorsport is a great Victorian passion and pastime for many, and it also supports thousands of jobs and delivers significant economic benefits to our state,” Creative Industries Minister Steve Dimopoulos said.<\/p>\n
“A Home of Motorsport at Avalon would inspire and encourage the development of up-and-coming drivers in their efforts to become household names like local heroes Oscar Piastri and Cameron Waters.”<\/p>\n
Lara MP Ella George said she looked forward to the “major economic and sporting benefits [the precinct] will deliver to our local community.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AVALON Airport is set to host Victoria’s proposed Home of Motorsport after the state government named it as the preferred home for the racing hub. A purpose-built facility including tracks to host elite events has been earmarked for the airport precinct. The new hub would cater for a range of motorsport disciplines including motorcycles, karts […]<\/p>\n