Phillip Island circuit's biggest events
The life and times of a 60-year-old race track... But which event attracts the most people, the most attention and the most money for the local economy?Ever wondered how much money is generated during a Grand Prix? We were wondering the same thing and the Bass Coast Shire Council - which encompasses the Phillip Island circuit - has released a report detailing the money earned.
It's no surprise that the top earner in 2010 was the Australian MotoGP round from October. It attracted more than 100,000 visitors and generated some $34.5 million in revenue.
Though there was no discussion of profits - the event is believed to be run at a small loss like many motorsport events - the circuit generates more than $100 million per annum thanks to a range of different events.
After the MotoGP, the next most lucrative event at that particular Australian race track is the World Superbike round, which attracted around 65,000 people and saw nearly $21 million in revenue.
Third on the list is the local touring car championship, the V8 Supercars, which adds $20 million to the kitty.
Fourth place goes to the Island Classic, with $6.7 million, and other events set to to make their collective presences felt as well, such as the 8 Hour Australian Motorcycle Endurance Championship.
Many permanent race tracks across the globe generate revenue from a variety of drawcard events, and the Phillip Island Circuit's Managing Director, Fergus Cameron, said it was satisfying to see the race track celebrate its 60th birthday with such a strong line-up of motor sports events.
"Next year we celebrate 60 years in existence, and in that time, we have become a vital cog in the life of Phillip Island.
"At event time, our numbers swell. With world superbike we have over 150 people employed, and our volunteer ranks for MotoGP for instance, stand at over 550," said Cameron.
Cameron explained that the circuit's real growth began in 1989 when race track acquired the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix event. He was also very proud of the local Island Classic event, which has germinated into one of the biggest events on the calendar (and is one of the few events that allows the general public access to the paddock area).
"I am proud of the fact that the Island Classic in late January, which started as a get together for people who loved historic bikes 20 years ago has grown to be one of the circuit's most popular events and generates $6.7 million in benefit," added Cameron.
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