Victorian government woos petrol-heads

Three weeks out from the state election on Saturday, November 24, Victorian premier Daniels Andrews has committed to investing $5 million in a Motor Sports Upgrades and Equipment Fund if re-elected.

The surprise pre-election pledge, made on Friday (November 2), promises to provide grants of up to $500,000 to upgrade racetracks and buy new equipment.

The news follows the June 2018 confirmation that the Andrews Labor Government will put almost $500,000 towards resurfacing of the Broadford State Motorcycle Sports Complex road race circuit.

That figure includes $330,000 from the state government’s Strategic Sporting Infrastructure Program, although the resurfacing works at Broadford now appear likely to be delayed until 2019.

If re-elected, the Andrews Labor Government says it “will upgrade motorsport tracks, support young rev-heads to be competition-ready – and help find the next Daniel Ricciardo – while encouraging more girls and young women to get involved in the sport.”

“Motor sport in Victoria supports over 4000 jobs and contributes almost $700 million to our economy, and we want to help the sport grow even more,” said the Victorian government on Friday.

“The fund will help transform racetracks right around Victoria improving safety with new barriers, and providing more facilities and amenities – increasing participation.”

The Victorian Labor party also said it would also provide $2.4 million in grants to support local motorsport clubs.

This would include $300,000 for a new junior driver development program called Ricciardo’s Racers, which would teach 12- to 17-year-olds the fundamental skills needed to drive and to race safely.

Another $300,000 would help expand the Dare to Be Different program that gives girls and young women the chance to get involved in the sport through karting, pit stop challenges and driving simulators.

Almost 35,000 Victorians participate in motorsport at 150 clubs across the state, including licensed competitors and accredited officials, attracting tens of thousands of spectators every year.

Premier Andrews said the sporting club grants will be administered by Sports and Recreation Victoria in consultation with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) and Motorcycling Australia (MA) to ensure that all events are run to the highest safety standards and all officials have the best training in risk management and emergency response.

“We know the cost of upgrading Victoria’s racetracks can be expensive, that’s why we’re helping these clubs to grow for the future,” he said.

“We’ve always wanted to get more young people involved in motorsport, and this investment will go a long way to helping us find the next Daniel Ricciardo.”