Historic 'Thunder To Continue At Sandown

MELBOURNE – October 21, 2010: Historic motor racing at Sandown Raceway is set to grow even stronger following the signing of a new five-year agreement between the Victorian Historic Racing Register (VHRR) and the Melbourne Racing Club.

The VHRR’s annual Historic Sandown meeting is currently the circuit’s second-largest motorsport event behind the V8 Supercars, with growing competitor and spectator support in recent years, climaxing in a record 420 entries in 2009.

This year’s event from 5-7 November is expected to see an entry of nearly 400 touring, sports and racing cars compete in 35 races, including the CoolDrive 15-lap feature race for Group C and Group A touring cars.

Historic Sandown Chairman and VHRR Vice President Noel Robson said the agreement signalled a new phase of continuing growth for nostalgic motorsport in Victoria.

“As the major historic race meeting in metropolitan Australia, Historic Sandown plays an important role in attracting new participants and provides a showcase for the sport to the public,” he said.

“This new agreement is a strong signal to the Historic racing movement, sponsors and spectators, that the sport has an exciting future.”

The Manager of Betfair Park Sandown, Wade Calderwood, said Historic Sandown had grown phenomenally in recent years. “We have we have had to create extra space at the venue to accommodate the increased entries of cars and displays“, he said.

“Historic Sandown is renowned as a very family-oriented event, and with the new capital works improvements made in the pits area, enthusiasts will be even closer to the action.” he added.

Spectators at the 2010 event will find a new main entrance area, a kid’s entertainment area, special vehicle displays and celebrity drivers on hand.

“It is sure to be an exciting weekend for motoring enthusiasts of all ages,” Calderwood said.

The 2010 Historic Sandown is again supported by Shannons, CoolDrive and Penrite.