Motorsport: Supercars 'staying in Hamilton'

Photo / Paul Estcourt

The V8 Supercars are staying in Hamilton, despite some businesses complaining the event costs them customers.

Event director Steve Vuleta said there were no access restrictions to any of the businesses in the Frankton area during the event which begins tomorrow.

"There is always vehicle access into Frankton throughout the entire race weekend. It never closes," he said.

"However we do provide all business owners in Frankton with vehicle accreditation which, in the unlikely event that Frankton street parking fills up and cars are turned away, means all businesses will automatically gain access with this accreditation."

He said this was more of a precaution and courtesy measure.

Last year the organisers put an over-bridge on the back straight to allow fans access to and from the Frankton area.

Some business owners in the immediate area grumbled about no longer getting free passes to the track, instead getting discounted passes in line with all the other sponsors and corporates.

It was not only the odd local business having a pop at the annual race. Some media outlets have hinted the event may be on its last legs. Nothing could be further from the truth, said Vuleta.

"The V8 Supercars are staying in Hamilton, there's a very strong commitment from the Hamilton City Council, V8 Supercars and us. It was a seven-year contract and there's strong motivation to keep the event here.

"Sustainability is a key thing and while we realise we're in tough economic times, although hospitality sales are down interestingly enough sponsorship is up. It is a product that does deliver and people do want to get involved.

"The event is in safe hands."

The New Zealand round of the V8 Supercars is regarded as a business for Vuleta and his team.

They have been prudent in cost savings and realistic in their expectations of what crowd to expect this year.

The halcyon days of three years ago will be a long time in returning. And if 100,000 turn up over the three days the event can be classed as a success.

Hamilton mayor Bob Simcock has said he believed the council's $7.95 million investment in the event was safe and the race was a significant event for the city.