Supercars roar back to Phillip Island from 2027

SUPERCARS will return to Phillip Island from next year after the state government locked in a five-year deal on Friday for the circuit to host a round of the championship finals.

The Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit will stage a finals series round of the Repco Supercars Championship each year from 2027 to 2031, the first time Supercars has raced on the island since 2019.

The full 2027 calendar is yet to be released.

The deal was announced a week before the circuit stages its final MotoGP from Friday October 23 to Sunday October 25.

Phillip Island first hosted the Australian motorcycle grand prix in 1989 but will lose the event to Adelaide from next year after the state government rejected a request to move it to Melbourne’s Albert Park.

The circuit will also host the Australian round of the World Superbike Championship for the last time in 2027.

Regional tourism board Destination Phillip Island said more than $80 million in annual economic activity linked to the two events was at risk.

“We thank the Victorian Government for this important commitment,” Destination Phillip Island chair Jeff Webb said.

“Supercars is a first step in rebuilding Phillip Island’s major events calendar and restoring confidence for local businesses.

“While no single event can fully replace the significant economic contribution of MotoGP and World Superbikes, this announcement provides positive momentum.”

Destination Phillip Island chief executive Kim Storey said the deal was encouraging news for a region where the visitor economy supported one in four jobs.

“There is still important work ahead to replace lost demand across the year and support the broader economic transition facing Phillip Island and San Remo,” Ms Storey said.

Major Events Minister Anthony Carbines said the deal would bring the crowds back for local businesses.

“Labor has locked this in for five years, because regional Victoria deserves major events that keep delivering,” Mr Carbines said.

Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale said it was fantastic news for Phillip Island and Bass Coast.

“Supercars will further showcase everything our stunning region has to offer year-round,” Ms Crugnale said.

Supercars executive chairman and acting chief executive Barclay Nettlefold said the return was fitting as the sport celebrated 30 years in 2027.

“Phillip Island is an iconic venue that has delivered some memorable moments for Supercars, and we’re incredibly excited to bring the championship back and create a new chapter in that history for our fans, teams and drivers,” Mr Nettlefold said.

Destination Phillip Island is urging the government to go further and is seeking an indicative $20 million to $25 million over three years for a regional events strategy delivering three to four annual events across Phillip Island and San Remo.

Its transition plan also calls for $36 million for Penguin Parade viewing facilities, $12 million for the Nobbies environment and visitor experience and $10 million for a replacement Nobbies Centre.

The board’s Visitor Economy Partnership funding runs out on August 31 next year and it wants a renewed three-year commitment to make the most of Supercars.

Phillip Island will also host a Festival of Motoring in March next year, with Labor and the Coalition both promising to back the event.

Opposition major events spokesperson David Southwick said on Friday a Coalition government would put $100,000 towards the festival if it won the November 28 state election, the ABC reported.

Meanwhile, demand for next weekend’s farewell MotoGP has been unprecedented, with multiple ticket options already sold out, including all VIP hospitality packages.

The final grand prix at the island is expected to draw one of the biggest crowds in the event’s history after last year’s three-day event attracted an estimated 91,245 people, the most since 2012.