Sydney Motorsport Park has begun a major upgrade to cement its status as Australia’s number one motorsport venue.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said it is a new era of racing and the 2020 Lighting Project at Western Sydney Motorsport Precinct could not have come at a better time.
“We know that COVID-19 is taking its toll on this State, and racing is a real morale boost for those isolating at home, and so it will be fantastic when motorsport gets back on track,” Mr Barilaro said.
Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said permanent lighting is now being installed which is set to bring night racing to Eastern Creek.
“NSW Motorsport fans are passionate and deserve the best and we are delivering on our election promise to fund these terrific precinct improvements,” Mr Lee said.
“There are 134 lighting poles being installed with world class LED technology used on tracks like Daytona in the United States and Sepang in Malaysia.”
The $33 million upgrade of Sydney Motorsport Park also includes $11 million in enhancements for Sydney International Dragway, $6.4 million to construct a Motor Sports Centre of Excellence and work to find an operations site for Motorcycling NSW.
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the upgrades would provide a tourism and economic boost for Western Sydney.
“The upgrade of Sydney Motorsport Park will enable the site to host some of the biggest motor racing events in Australia, providing a tourism and economic shot in the arm for Western Sydney,” Mr Ayres said.
“It will also give NSW motorsport fans what they have been craving with more worldclass motor racing events on their doorstep.”
Australian Racing Drivers Club CEO Glenn Matthews said Sydney Motorsport Park is one of the busiest tracks in the world with a 96 per cent occupancy rate.
“Lighting allows us to fit even more events into our busy calendar but also opens doors for substantial opportunities to further grow the Western Sydney night economy,” said Mr Matthews.
*Image for editorial use of track under temporary lighting in 2018
