Long Term Vision for Barbagallo Raceway – Road to Success

If it is all about V8 supercars, then how can peoplethe local economy.
stay without discussing anything about the famousIn the year 2009, State Government announced an
Barbagallo Raceway. Yes, Wanneroo basedupgrade of the Barbagallo Raceway and this was
motorsport circuit in Western Australia is quite asomething that was to affect the future of the
popular venue for car races, especially for those whosport in Western Australia. The Sports Minister urged
love to howl, scream and yell at V8 supercars.V8 bosses to stay in Western Australia and promised
Originally, this raceway was known by the nameto meet all requirements along with providing a much
Wanneroo Park, but in the year 1979, whenmore attractive, safe and wider track for racing.
Australian Grand Prix and opening of new pitsSo, ultimately it was planned to widen and resurface
happened together, it was decided to construct athe track, add new safety measures and some
short circuit which would be linked to the originaldrivers' facilities to make the racing events more
track. This project was funded by Alf Barbagallo thatentertaining. The decision to upgrade the track could
was a prominent Australian motorsport identity andprove beneficial, as the circuit was being used by
so the name was changed to Barbagallo Raceway.motorsport enthusiasts, Western Australian police and
Races and Eventssome road safety organizations, alongside. This long
The first ever race in Wanneroo Park was held in theterm vision can actually provide greater flexibility
year 1969 and after the construction of the newalong with some added amenities, which can make
circuit, that is, after 1992 different types of racingthe racing events even more enjoyable.   
were introduced along with truck racing. In addition toV8 Bosses in Barbagallo Raceway
this, it was also decided to host the events at night,From Mark Skaife to Peter Brocks, numerous racers
so that enthusiasts could enjoy various races andhave marked a record by winning the championships
events to their fullest. After frequent races andat this raceway. In the year 1991, Mark Skaife won
events, V8 supercars came up and became one ofthe round once in a Nissan GTR, which was his first
the topmost racers.   championship success. Likewise, Toll HSV Dealer
Resurfaces and RevampsTeam also launched its best racers like Rick Kelly and
In the year 2004, the track was fully resurfaced andGarth Tender and won several championships.
this offered a much smoother area for the racers toNow, both enthusiasts and V8 bosses are looking
chase each other. The lap records were breakingforward to have a better motorsport circuit to
drastically after the resurfacing project and this wasdouble the fun of winning the championships. This
something which made Barbagallo Raceway quiteup-gradation will surely encourage V8 bosses and
popular among the enthusiasts. Every year numerousupcoming racers to accept new challenges and come
races were held with the V8 supercar championshipup with fresh records.
series, which was resulting as a great contribution to