V8 Supercars expansion into overseas markets will help the category, according to Federal Minister for Sport Mark Arbib.
In 2013, V8 chief Tony Cochrane plans to hold as many as 18 events, with six of those to be held offshore.
Three of those overseas races will be in America, Abu Dhabi and New Zealand, while other mooted destinations could include Singapore, the Philippines and India.
Speaking to Speedcafe.com, Arbib says that maintaining a presence on Australian race tracks is paramount, but gave his full support to the concept behind the class’s offshore expansion.
“Clearly the owners and operators of the series and the teams need to make financial decisions that support the long term success of their sport and that may mean a balancing act between events here and overseas,” Arbib told Speedcafe.com.
“It is important to ensure that V8 races remain a prominent fixture on the Australian sporting calendar for local fans.
“If the sport is able to expand through international races this can only be beneficial in the long term.”
CLICK HERE for more with the Minister in today’s edition of Cafe Chat.
