http://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...d/news-story/f58d4a2985451c64999877ee60f28dfc
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the sport could quit Queensland at the end of this year should the Queensland state government fail to offer Supercars a new five-year deal for both the Townsville 600 and the Gold Coast 400 by the end of next week.
Uncontracted to race at both Townsville and the Gold Coast from next year – and with the future of the Ipswich SuperSprint in doubt – Queensland are facing the prospect of a V8 blackout.
And NSW would could finally win with threats the sport could uproot its head office from the Gold Coast and move to Sydney.
“We have been proactive in negotiation and put forward a five year proposal to continue at both Townsville and on the Gold Coast back in February 2015,’’ said Supercars CEO James Warburton.
“We are expecting to conclude negotiation by the end of the month.’’
More than 447 fulltime jobs would be lost to Queensland should the three events be cancelled.
Queensland would also lose an estimated $90m a year in economic stimulus, 218,000 visitors and 1500 jobs unless a new five-year deal is struck.
The bombshell comes just a week before the biggest event in North Queensland – the Townville 600 – begins, with practice to begin on Friday at the Reid Park street circuit.
The Daily Telegraph understands the State Government is trying to steal the two marquee events for a cut-price $20 million – at least $5m below Supercars asking price.
Both Supercars and the State Government have said a decision will be made on the future of the event by June 30.
The current three-year deal for the Surfers Paradise event – one of Australia’s most iconic sporting weekends – will end on October 23 after what could be the last race on the Gold Coast.
A Queensland government official said they are hopeful of coming to a new deal with Supercars for both events.
“An offer has been made,’’ said an official.
“And it is only marginally below the previous deal. We are hopeful of coming to a resolution but talks are ongoing.’’
It is understood Supercars drastically revised their asking price following the $20m offer – but still want more about $5m more.
The State Government is hoping Supercars will consider the effect that quitting Queensland would have on both their current and future deals with broadcasters and sponsors.
NSW could prove the big winners with the prospect of up to three new races and teams like Red Bull Racing Australia relocating to Sydney.
- 2 days ago
- by JAMES PHELPS
- Source: The Daily Telegraph
- NEW South Wales could finally beat Queensland at something, with Supercars considering relocating teams, race meetings and personnel to Sydney in a Sunshine State walkout.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the sport could quit Queensland at the end of this year should the Queensland state government fail to offer Supercars a new five-year deal for both the Townsville 600 and the Gold Coast 400 by the end of next week.
Uncontracted to race at both Townsville and the Gold Coast from next year – and with the future of the Ipswich SuperSprint in doubt – Queensland are facing the prospect of a V8 blackout.
And NSW would could finally win with threats the sport could uproot its head office from the Gold Coast and move to Sydney.
“We have been proactive in negotiation and put forward a five year proposal to continue at both Townsville and on the Gold Coast back in February 2015,’’ said Supercars CEO James Warburton.
“We are expecting to conclude negotiation by the end of the month.’’
More than 447 fulltime jobs would be lost to Queensland should the three events be cancelled.
Queensland would also lose an estimated $90m a year in economic stimulus, 218,000 visitors and 1500 jobs unless a new five-year deal is struck.
The bombshell comes just a week before the biggest event in North Queensland – the Townville 600 – begins, with practice to begin on Friday at the Reid Park street circuit.
The Daily Telegraph understands the State Government is trying to steal the two marquee events for a cut-price $20 million – at least $5m below Supercars asking price.
Both Supercars and the State Government have said a decision will be made on the future of the event by June 30.
The current three-year deal for the Surfers Paradise event – one of Australia’s most iconic sporting weekends – will end on October 23 after what could be the last race on the Gold Coast.
A Queensland government official said they are hopeful of coming to a new deal with Supercars for both events.
“An offer has been made,’’ said an official.
“And it is only marginally below the previous deal. We are hopeful of coming to a resolution but talks are ongoing.’’
It is understood Supercars drastically revised their asking price following the $20m offer – but still want more about $5m more.
The State Government is hoping Supercars will consider the effect that quitting Queensland would have on both their current and future deals with broadcasters and sponsors.
NSW could prove the big winners with the prospect of up to three new races and teams like Red Bull Racing Australia relocating to Sydney.
