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V8 Supercars Joins the Fight for Baskerville

24 Feb 2014
V8 Supercars greats will gather for a fundraising night to help upgrade Australia's oldest motorsport venue, Tasmania's Baskerville Raceway.
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V8 Supercars greats will gather for a fundraising night to help upgrade Australia’s oldest motorsport venue, the historic Baskerville Raceway in Tasmania, to ensure it has a healthy future.

Officially opened in 1958, Baskerville Raceway has hosted some of the greats of Australian motorsport but is in need of urgent funding for refurbishments and a resurfacing of the track.

To help raise awareness V8 Supercars and Hobart’s Wrest Point will host an exclusive night ‘Parkinson’ style, with some of the biggest names in Australian motorsport.

Former racer and Seven expert commentator Neil Crompton will host the night on Wednesday March 26 at Wrest Point, prior to the Tyrepower Tasmania 400 at Symmons Plains.

Crompton will be joined by six-time Bathurst and five-time Champion Mark Skaife, reigning V8 Supercars Champion Jamie Whincup, last year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 winner Mark Winterbottom and 2013 Gold Coast 600 winner David Reynolds.

V8 Supercars Director of Promoted Events Mark Perry said Australia’s premier motorsport category was proud to be a part of the fundraising efforts.

“Baskerville has a strong motorsport heritage and it’s important that we support our fans and the sport from grass roots and this is an example of that,” Perry said.

“As V8 Supercars continues to become more recognised on a global scale, it is critical that we retain the current permanent circuits, establish new circuits and refurbish the old where we can.

“From a motorsport point of view circuits like Baskerville Raceway are the breeding grounds for our drivers, mechanics, engineers and all the other associated trades of the sport.”

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V8 Supercars is respectful of the racing heritage and traditions in Australia and does so by recognising over 50 years of achievements and memories in our sport.

V8 Supercar legend John Bowe echoes the importance supporting the grass roots fans and getting behind the Baskerville Foundation where the aim is to raise $500,000.

“If you ask me it’s the best little race track in Australia. It’s got fantastic elevation, blind corners – it really is a mini Bathurst, just awesome. In fact I’d love to race there again,” said Bowe.

“It would be an incredible shame to lose it as it is such a fabulous place. It’s great to see that true Champions giving their time to support the efforts to help out.

“Tasmanians have an enormous interest in motorsport and that’s why they get so many to Symmons Plains every year. There is such an enormous racing heritage right across the State.”

Bowe also reflected on his memories at the track.

“My dad raced there and I’ve been going to Baskerville since I was a little boy. I had my first ever race meeting when I was 15 in a Formula Vee and I was only there a couple of years ago racing historics,” Bowe said.

The V8 Supercars Baskerville Raceway Fundraiser, Wednesday 26 March begins with an exclusive VIP Cocktail Function from $150 kicking off at 6pm, with the Main Event starting at 7:30pm with tickets available from $30. Both unique V8 Supercar events will take place at the iconic Wrest Point. Tickets now available from tixtas.com.au or call 1300 795 257.

It is an evening not to be missed by any fan with exclusive opportunities, Q&As and insight into the world of V8 Supercars with all proceeds from the event going to the Baskerville Foundation.

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