Clipsal 500 inducted into Motor Sport Hall of Fame
South Australia’s V8 Supercar event, the Clipsal 500 has been inducted into the V8 Supercars Australia Hall of Fame – the first time an individual event has ever been granted this prestigious honour.
Deputy Premier Kevin Foley accepted the award from the chairman of V8 Supercars Australia Tony Cochrane at the sport’s annual awards night at the Crown Casino in Melbourne.
The event had also been named Australia’s best major festival event at the 2005 Australian Tourism Awards, was a member of the South Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, and had won five SA Tourism awards in the best major event or festival and tourism product marketing categories.
“The Clipsal 500 has also been a major contributor to our State’s economy since it was first run in 1999.
“These awards and the induction into the Motor Sport Hall of Fame are a tribute to the work of the South Australian Motor Sport Board Chairman Roger Cook and Chief Executive Andrew Daniels plus the management and staff of the event.
“The Hall of Fame had previously been the domain of champion drivers, including Peter Brock, Dick Johnson, Allan Moffatt, Fred Gibson, Bob Morris and Colin Bond,” Mr Foley said.
“The fact that our Clipsal is the first event to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is a tremendous honour and a great recognition of the widespread support the event enjoys among South Australians.
“South Australia is world renowned for its reputation of staging events at the highest possible level, and the Clipsal 500 Adelaide is a great example. We also have a reputation of supporting events and 2005’s record attendance of 255,600 at the Clipsal 500 is testimony to that.
Mr. Foley said that prior to its induction in the Motor Sport Hall of Fame, the Clipsal 500 Adelaide had won the AVESCO award on six occasions as Australia’s best motor sport event every year since its inception in 1999.
“I also recognize the work of the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport and in particular the part played by the race officials and volunteers, who are the lifeblood of the event.
Mr Foley said that he considered that the heritage of 11 Grands Prix in Adelaide, the unique city street circuit, and the support of the community were major factors in the success of the Clipsal 500 Adelaide.
“I also pay tribute to Tony Cochrane and the V8 Supercar drivers and teams who have developed the V8 Supercar series into the best and most competitive touring car championship in the world.”
For general media enquiries about Clipsal please contact:
- Alex Beltrame,
Media Manager,
+61 8 8269 0822
