Tassie Shanghais V8 Supercars

V8 Supercars will race at Symmons Plains near Launceston from November 12-14 as a replacement for the scheduled China race which has been postponed until June next year.

Tasmanian Premier Paul Lennon and Australian Vee Eight Supercar Company (AVESCO) Chairman Tony Cochrane announced the signing of an agreement for five years in Hobart today.

"This is a fantastic coup for the state - one I'm sure will be welcomed by Tasmanians who are passionate about their Motorsport," Mr Lennon said.

While pleasing local fans is important the commitment to upgrade Symmons Plains is part of the government's promotion of sporting events support Tasmania's booming tourist industry.

"It will also generate unprecedented exposure for Tasmania, given that each event in the series is televised live to 500 million people in 70 countries, said Mr. Lennon. "Tasmania will truly be on show to the world."

The government has invested heavily in three fast vehicle ferries to connect the island state to the Australian mainland and currently promotes regular AFL football matchers in Tasmania. By promoting major events in Tasmania the government hopes encourage more visitors to the state.

AVESCO has suffered constant criticism since it stopped holding a round of the series in Tasmania.

"We are once again a truly national series that visits every state in Australia. Tasmania has been a lost link since we were last here in 1999 but not any more," said Cochrane.

One aspect of the criticism is that AVESCO has been pursuing overseas races in New Zealand and Shanghai at the expense of Australian fans. Now that all states once again have a round of the series that decides the Australian Touring Car championship AVESCO may now be more comfortable in their overseas ventures.

The other venue in contention was Victoria's Phillip Island that hosts world championship motorcycle races. Phillip Island lost their V8sSupercar round this year to make way for the proposed Chinese event. Victoria already has two rounds of the series at Winton and Sandown.

Tasmania's current favourite son in the V8 Supercar series is reigning champion, Marcos Ambrose. The Pirtek Falcon driver was on the steps of Parliament house in Hobart today to help with the announcement

"It's an absolute dream for me," Ambrose said. "To race with the No.1 on the side of my car at my home track is incredible. I'm a very proud Tasmanian and I'm going to enjoy every moment of it."

The locals will also be cheering on another local hero, veteran John Bowe, who has raced at every Supercar round at Symmons Plains since the first series in 1993.

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