Racing fans in Queensland are in pole position for excitement with the Ipswich 300 to be held at Queensland Raceway for the next three years.

It’s hoped the joint initiative between the Queensland Government and Ipswich City Council can help with the city’s flood recovery effort.

Christopher Steele reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The smell of burning rubber is here to stay, with confirmation that Ipswich will join Townsville and the Gold Coast as regular fixtures on the V8 Supercar calendar.

At Brassall State School, V8 veteran Russell Ingall presented Deputy Mayor Victor Attwood with the first ticket to the 2011 event.

Ingall joined the council’s “I wish I was born in Ipswich” campaign, saying the Ipswich 300 is quickly becoming one of the drivers’ favourite races.

Russell Ingall, Supercheap Auto Racing: “They really get behind it, which is great. It’s one of the few races that we go to where you can really feel the atmosphere and that the locals actually want the race to be here.”

Queensland raceway is affectionately known as “The Paperclip” due to it’s flat track and twisting six turn design. But one thing that is straightforward is the economic impact the race will have on the region over the next three years.

Phil Reeves, Minister for Child Safety and Sport: “Ipswich has gone through hell and high water over the last few months, but a great announcement for the people of Ipswich and the whole local economy.”

This year for the first time, the Superbikes will join the V8’s on the bill.

Councillor Attwood described the three day event as an opportunity for the local community to come together with a sense of pride in hosting a national sporting event.

The City of Ipswich 300 takes place at Queensland Raceway, Willowbank from August 19 to 21.

Christopher Steele, QUT News.