Gosford mayor eager for V8 street race

Gosford City Mayor Lawrie McKinna is eager to secure a V8 Supercars race for his region following the demise of the Sydney Olympic Park event after 2016.

V8 Supercars confirmed yesterday that this season will be the last for the Sydney 500 finale at the Olympic Park venue, which has long run at a loss to the category due to the high costs of operating the precinct.

It is instead angling to move the event to the New South Wales Central Coast town of Gosford, 70 kilometres north of Sydney.

Such a move will require the backing of the NSW government and its Destination NSW arm, as well as the Gosford City Council.

While a deal is yet to be struck, McKinna has expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the championship, confirming that talks remain ongoing.

“I have not been involved in any meetings but meetings have been going on with V8s and our CEO Paul Anderson,” McKinna told Speedcafe.com.

“There have been early discussions but it is something as a council we think will be the biggest thing to hit the Central Coast, not just Gosford. It would be huge for us up here.

“I don’t think there has been any meetings over the last few months, but there have been a lot of rumours flying about and it’s hit the press that this will be the last year of Homebush.”

A proposed circuit has already been designed, with a 3.5km layout taking in the city’s waterfront, including Bluetongue Stadium.

“I haven’t seen any plans but the rumours are it is going to be a street circuit along the waterfront and around the Gosford CBD,” continued said McKinna.

“That is what I have been told about it.

“I will be following this up with the CEO. Obviously there are few other places mentioned (that could host a race) and ours is the one that seems to be at the forefront.

“We need to follow this up and make sure this is something we can secure.”

While other alternatives within NSW are also said to be under evaluation, McKinna stresses that Gosford has a large V8 Supercars following.

“I’m really hopeful that something the coast as a region can get right behind,” he added.

“When it comes to any V8 races going on around the country the shopping centres are full with Holden and Ford supporters. It is very popular around the coast.

“It is a big time motorsport area. There are a few doubters that will whinge about the traffic for a few days but it would be an overwhelming success.”