Ten more years of racing at Phillip Island

MotoGP and World Superbike rights holders Dorna have signed a ten-year extension to both deals that will see both series return to Australia’s iconic Phillip Island track until at least 2026.

The deal, announced over the weekend by Victoria’s Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren MP, will see both series at the beloved southern Australian track for another decade, with the GP deal now running to 2026 and the World Superbike deal until 2027.

Speaking when the announcement was made, circuit manager Fergus Cameron says that not only does it help secure the sport in Australia; it will help the track make improvements to their facilities.

“To secure a ten year deal for our two major properties, MotoGP and WorldSBK, is so important for the circuit and for our on-going investment in facilities. For our community, the track is a cornerstone of the Phillip Island economy, and its activities have a flow-on effect to many of the businesses and families on the island.  I am relieved for our local region that the future of both events is well and truly secure.

“We have a lot to thank our Phillip Island forebears for.  In 1952, a group of men designed a brilliant track on an amazing piece of land, overlooking majestic Bass Strait scenery. To be honest, construction-wise the original track was pretty humble, but their vision laid the foundations for sweeping corners and high-speed straights.”

The track’s government support comes as part of the economic stimulation the race brings to the Bass Coast area, with an estimated $107 million generated in 2011 by the circuit’s events.