Hon Liza Harvey MLA,Hon Terry Waldron MLA — V8 Supercars ready to roar at Perth 400

. Perth 400 is the seventh race on the V8 Supercars Championship calendar
. Two Volvo S60s to race in Perth for the first time
. Supported by the State Government through Tourism WA

Tens of thousands of Western Australian motor racing fans will flock to Barbagallo Raceway Wanneroo this weekend when the V8 Supercars return for the Perth 400.

Tourism Minister Liza Harvey said the Perth 400 promised to be full of excitement with new drivers, new race formats and a new manufacturer introduced for the 2014 season.

“The Perth 400 is an important feature of the State’s events calendar,” Mrs Harvey said.

“As well as being enjoyed by thousands of local race fans, the races are broadcast across Australia, giving the State great exposure in some of our key tourism markets.”

The Minister said motor racing enthusiasts would witness the new SuperSprint race format featuring two 100km races on Saturday and a 200km race on Sunday.

Reigning V8 Supercars champion and last year’s Perth winner Jamie Whincup will be joined on the grid by Holden teammate and former champion Craig Lowndes, with West Australian Garth Tander returning as the hometown favourite.

“They will be challenged by some of the best drivers from Ford, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz AMG and newcomers Volvo, which will no doubt result in some fierce competition on the track,” she said.

Mrs Harvey said the State Government, through Tourism WA, was proud to sponsor the V8 Supercars Perth 400.

Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron said motorsport had a big following in Western Australia, which was why the Government spent $15million upgrading Barbagallo Raceway.

“The improvements not only made the grounds safer for crews, but also greatly increased the experience for spectators,” Mr Waldron said.