International-class race track near Perth

gets green light！
2007 opening race set to feature Formula Nippon event

START YOUR ENGINES - Bunbury Racetrack Gets Green Light

Perth International Motorsport Management will startwork on its $30 million international motor racing circuit at Bunbury after receiving environmental approval from the State Government.

PIMM Managing Director Ross Roberts also announced that an agreement had been signed which would bring a Japanese GT Series event to Bunbury as early as 2007.

Roberts said the track would be known as the Bob Jane International Circuit, after the Australian motor racing legend secured the naming rights for five years with option for a further five.

Roberts also mentioned that he was delighted with Environment Minister Judy Edwards' announcement to approve the Bunbury project. He said the racing circuit would host two international events next year, a Formula Nippon event and the Japanese GT Series, and provide a major boost to the Bunbury economy.

"This project has been seven years in the making and it is fantastic to finally see the motor racing circuit come to fruition," Mr Roberts said.

"PIMM would like to thank Dr Edwards and the State Government for supporting the project, which will put Bunbury on the international racing map - creating tourism opportunities and jobs in the process."

"We would also like to thank the City of Bunbury, Shire of Dardanup and the people of Bunbury for their overwhelming support." Mr Roberts said he would visit Bunbury next week to talk to contractors, who would begin construction work immediately.

He said PIMM hoped to have the racetrack ready for the Formula Nippon event in early 2007. The Japanese GT series event is also expected to be held later on in 2007. Roberts also mentioned that the racing complex would feature an off-road 4WD track and driver training facilities.

Roberts said the Japanese GT series is a first-class event that has a massive following in Asia, and included races in Malaysia, China and the USA. He said bringing the Japan GT series to Bunbury was another major coup for Western Australia in addition to the Formula Nippon series. "The race will be watched by millions of television viewers in Asia and provides a fantastic opportunity to show potential tourists what Bunbury and WA
has to offer," Roberts said.
City of Bunbury Mayor John Castrilli welcomed the announcement and said the project would inject millions of dollars into Bunbury each year.
"The potental business development spin-offs of the motorsport complex are massive," he said.
"The project will create jobs and opportunities in the local tourism, hospitality and retail industries and the two events planned for next year will put Bunbury in the international spotlight."

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