V8 Supercars Australia and the Tasmanian Government have announced a three-year extension of their deal, securing V8 Supercars racing at Symmons Plains Raceway until 2013.

The new deal was announced by Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett and V8 Supercars bosses Martin Whitaker (Chief Executive Officer) and Shane Howard (Chief Operating Officer).

The new contract is for $1.7million over the three years.

Premier Bartlett said that the money spent on securing the V8 Supercars is worth every cent.

“The annual round of the V8 Supercars is traditionally one of the biggest sporting events on the Tasmanian events calendar and is a key drawcard for encouraging visitors to Tasmania,” Bartlett said.

“It is also one of the busiest times for local tourism and hospitality businesses with over 1000 crew and around 3000 interstate fans coming to Tasmania for the event to be staged this weekend.

“The three-day event generates an enormous injection of dollars into the Tasmanian economy, with an estimated direct spend of around $3.5 million with visitors staying an average of four nights.

“The event provides a high level of exposure for Tasmania, with local, national and international media covering the race.”

Tasmania’s support for the event remains high with over 55,000 fans attending last year’s three-day event.

Premier Bartlett also went for a hot lap with Craig Lowndes around the Symmons Plains circuit.

V8 Supercars Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard said the V8 Supercars show loved visiting Tasmania.

“We’re all about the fans,” he said.

“V8 Supercars put on a great show, the fans love it, it’s always been very well supported by the fans here in Tasmania and the State Government so we couldn’t be happier to have a commitment to be here from the Government for the next three years.”