PI Future plans revealed

[inpitlane]

Unfortunatly I couldn't get down to this to ask the obvious questions regarding the future of the circuit for grass roots motorsport, although from what I've heard second hand it's not looking good.
Apart from that the plans look pretty good.
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PHILLIP ISLAND RACETRACK RESORT 2010
THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE – CREATING A WORLD CLASS SPORTING VENUE

Australian Golfer of the Century Greg Norman today joined with five times world motorcycle champion, Mick Doohan, five times V8 Supercar champion Mark Skaife and Andrew Nicholls, General Manager of circuit owners, Linfox Property Group, to unveil their combined vision for the future of the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.

Designed to create a world class sporting and resort venue on the 380 hectare site and secure the financial viability of the circuit through additional, year round income streams, the $300 million plans include:

· Major upgrade and extension to event infrastructure including the pit building and race control, the media centre, television broadcast zone, a permanent Expo facility and paved carparking
· A go-kart track which is a 722 m replica of the 4.45 km Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit. There will be a range of karts to suit driving levels – the top line being 28hp SLR Karts imported from Switzerland and personally tested and selected by Mick Doohan
· A unique, cliff top 18 hole golf course with spectacular coastal views, designed by Greg Norman
· A five star, resort hotel featuring 1175 rooms and a conference centre and clubhouse built in three compact villages called Heath, Crest and Lakeside and positioned between the golf course and the circuit
· A complete makeover of the circuit entrance at gate one to ensure an entrance fitting a world class sporting venue
· A state of the art permanent office, club and corporate facility at the end of the main straight, catering for 200 guests and boasting extensive circuit views to Bass Strait
· Two new water environments on the western boundary of the property and extensive revegetation of the property with the native heath that was destroyed when the area was cleared in the 1860’s for farmland

Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit was purchased by LINFOX Property Group in mid 2004 and $3million has already been spent in the past year on safety and infrastructure requirements.

Of the proposed development, the go-kart track is due for completion by Christmas; a permit has been granted for the first stage of the hotel development; a planning application has been lodged for the golf course and remaining accommodation; and plans are being finalized for the office, club and corporate facilities, entrance and other circuit upgrades.

The intention is for race facility upgrades to start next year and continue indefinitely; for the Summit Club corporate facility and new office to be ready in one to two years; for the golf course to be completed in three years; and for the accommodation to commence in two years and be built in stages over five years.

[cavvy]

Did Greg take any of the Fox Ferrari collection for a spin ???

[inpitlane]

Originally Posted by cavvy

Did Greg take any of the Fox Ferrari collection for a spin ???

No but according to SEN the deal to design the course was done for way less cash wise than the once great white seafood extender would normally charge. The deal may include an appartment in the hotel and access to the circuit and Lindsay's playthings.
I'm trying to get someone from Linfox on In Pit Lane to talk about how this all effects State and Club level sport but in the past they haven't been to keen to say much on this issue apart from saying that the track will be imprioved and maintained for " testing & major international bike and car events"
If they'll come on I'll put the interview in the podcast.
FWIH There's already problems getting hold of the track for next year's CAMS Victoria state series and at this stage that series can only confirm 3 rounds.

[dmcl]

Whilst these new "upgrades" sound fantastic in a press release, it seems that once again there will be less venues available for the participant end of the motorsport chain.
Not that long ago, it used to be a proud fact that there were four active and accesible motor racing circuits in Victoria. Now we have a situation where Sandown has increased limitations, Phillip Island is becoming less viable as a club level venue, and the AASA considerations at both Winton and Calder (although Calder has just had a major price hike too apparently).
Makes you wonder where the next generation of stars are going to come from.

[Raglanparade]

International Bike and Car events ?

That would mean bringing the circuit up to FIA Level 2 ?? standards ??

I dont think it would be too far away from that standard at the moment, but what International Car events would be run at Phillip Island ??

Champ Car, A1 GP, or even F1 ?? you wouldnt think so.. though the thought of a fast open wheel race car around the Island does almost give me a wet dream

FIA GT series ? ALMS ? WTCC ? What international car series would be successful at the island ?

[inpitlane]

Originally Posted by jasonhill9884

International Bike and Car events ?

That would mean bringing the circuit up to FIA Level 2 ?? standards ??

I dont think it would be too far away from that standard at the moment, but what International Car events would be run at Phillip Island ??

Champ Car, A1 GP, or even F1 ?? you wouldnt think so.. though the thought of a fast open wheel race car around the Island does almost give me a wet dream

FIA GT series ? ALMS ? WTCC ? What international car series would be successful at the island ?

The management at PI have spoken openly about the possibility of an FIA GT round and Stephan Ratel has inspected the place and although he'd prefer Bathurst, PI's a pretty good reserve.
Kevin Kalkohven said on In Pit Lane last year that he'd love to see a second Champ Car race in Australia and he too has taken a look at the Island, and Sandown for that matter. Don't think that one will happen though.
Andrew Fox has also publicly said he'd love to see the GTCC down there but that may have been said just to put the wind up Tony.
This weekend will be interesting because the artist formally known as AVESCO are running the show to try and prove to Fox that the circus is worth the huge fee demanded, Andrew told them if the series was that good and such a monty to make big bucks then they should hire the track thenselves and prove it.
Hence next year's PI V8 date is tentitive.

[hml2777]

... five times V8 Supercar champion Mark Skaife and Andrew Nicholls, General Manager of circuit owners, Linfox Property Group, to unveil their combined vision for the future of the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit...

Now you all know the REAL reason why the V8's are at Phillip Isand and not Winton, despite the huge disparity in crowd numbers. Isn't Mr. Skaife on the AVESCO (aorry V8 Australia) board? isn't the Board responsible for deciding where rounds go? Didn't Fox not want the V8's back down there? (yes, I know they hired the facility for the meeting, but the meeting is not being run by PI)

And after reading through the list of contributions from the sporting stars, what was Skaife's contribution on behalf of the V8's?

[RotorFan]

Originally Posted by hml2777

Now you all know the REAL reason why the V8's are at Phillip Isand and not Winton, despite the huge disparity in crowd numbers. Isn't Mr. Skaife on the AVESCO (aorry V8 Australia) board? isn't the Board responsible for deciding where rounds go? Didn't Fox not want the V8's back down there? (yes, I know they hired the facility for the meeting, but the meeting is not being run by PI)

And after reading through the list of contributions from the sporting stars, what was Skaife's contribution on behalf of the V8's?

No, Skaife is a board member of TEGA, not AVESCO.

[Chucky]

Originally Posted by jasonhill9884

I dont think it would be too far away from that standard at the moment, but what International Car events would be run at Phillip Island ??

FIA GT Championship in 2007 and A1GP in 2008.

[hml2777]

Originally Posted by RotorFan

No, Skaife is a board member of TEGA, not AVESCO.

Are you 100% sure, either way though what did he bring to the table?

[Raglanparade]

Maybe Skaife and Fox are mates ??

[thirty4]

Yeah, for something different, lets make Skaife out to be the bad guy.

[Falcadore]

Originally Posted by hml2777

Are you 100% sure, either way though what did he bring to the table?

There are no competitors working directly within V8Supercar Australia (nee AVESCO) nor should they be. Can you imagine Nathan Buckley or Chris Judd on the board of the AFL?

TEGA is as close as they can get.

[hml2777]

Originally Posted by jasonhill9884

Maybe Skaife and Fox are mates ??

and myabe you don't know how close you are to the truth, it may not be the 'old' fox. but...

[Raglanparade]

Dont tell me Mr Skaife has a bit to do with a young fox

and heres me thinking he was married !