Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic to give Warrnambool city an economic lift

Premier Speedway general manager David Mills said the three-night internationally-renowned speedway showcase, which will boast 102 drivers from across Australia and America, would inject roughly $3.5 million into the Warrnambool economy.

Mr Mills said the Classic, considered the nation’s largest sprintcar event and now in its 47^th year, would attract thousands of punters through the gates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

He said it was a major money-spinner for Premier Speedway.

“Between 23,000 to 25,000 (through the gates) is about where we get to for the three nights, maxing out at around 10,500 on the Sunday night,” he said.

“That’s where we want to be and what we need as a club because with the Classic, the profit we do make out of it it goes back into the venue and it also helps subsidise some other nights that might not do as well financially.

“It is important for the club that this event is successful.”

Mr Mills said entertainment was front-of-mind when organising the event.

“The marquees are all sold out, all of our corporate boxes are sold out,” he said.

“We’ll have our fireworks on the Saturday and Sunday to entertain the crowds. The big screen will come in. It all mashes pretty well into a pretty successful product.”

Mr Mills, who oversaw his first Classic in 2008, said planning for the event started 12 months in advance.

He said volunteers would give up their time this week to put the finishes touches on the Allansford-based complex.

“You are continually chipping away on it in the lead-up and that takes the pressure off but that’s not to say it’s all done,” Mr Mills said.

“There’s always the last-minute headaches, there’s always ‘I wish I had have done that’ or ‘I should’ve done this’.

“Once the gates open, you’ve got to go with what you’ve got, so you do your very best and hopefully the competitors come and put on a show and go home happy.

“Hopefully the entertainment on the hill, which is what it’s all about, (means) they (the fans) go home satisfied with how they’ve invested their entertainment dollars as well.”

People can buy a three-night pass online up until midnight Thursday.

Ticket sales will also open at 9am each day for nightly sales.

The public gates will open about 1.30pm with cars on track at 5pm each night.

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