V8s could race on modified Singapore GP track
The Singapore Grand Prix circuit is held in September under lights
The V8 Supercars Championship could race on a shortened Singapore street track as early as November next year.
V8’s hierarchy is currently returning from Singapore to Darwin after a fact-finding mission. V8 Supercars chairman Tony Cochrane and chief operating officer Shane Howard have met with government officials, the Singapore Motorsports Association and representatives from the Singapore Sports Council, the Singapore Tourism Board and potential sponsors.
With some dramas surrounding the construction and financing of the international-standard Changi circuit – intended as the track that the V8s would compete on – the focus could now be turned to a shortened version of the Singapore Formula One street track.
The proposed shortened 2.2km track would be constructed around the existing F1 pit structure, extending towards the Republic Boulevard and Republic Avenue.
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Local authorities appear keen on this scenario due to fewer road closures and disruptions, with an estimated budget of AUD$11.5 million for the event.
According to reports in Singapore, once the Changi circuit is complete, the event would switch to that venue.
V8 Supercars chairman Tony Cochrane told Channel News Asia that Singapore is an important market for V8s.
“Singapore is really the perfect hub for us in this part of Asia,” Cochrane said.
“There is obviously a lot of expats who live in Singapore. It has great accessibility from Australia, well over 120 flights a week from Australia.
“So we know that our event here will bring a huge Australian crowd up, so it will be a really great tourism driver for the government.”
Teh Leong, the Singapore representative for V8 Supercars, said that the category is planning on bring more than just a race meeting.
“They are looking at a whole spectrum of events plus activities,” Leong told Channel News Asia.
“That will include like training schools, promoting activities among the Singaporean motor enthusiasts, and also using Singapore as a platform for Asian market.”
See below for a video from Channel News Asia.