Big crowds and heavy traffic are expected across Bass Coast from 14-16 October, as visitors flock to the Iveco Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
The Grand Prix weekend traditionally sees accommodation fully booked with local shops and restaurants overflowing. If the weather is favourable 2011 should see the tradition continue. Bass Coast Shire Council’s Events Coordinator, Frank Angarane, said that given the status of the Championship interest is extremely high.
“Australian rider, Casey Stoner, is leading the series and could seal the Championship at Phillip Island. He has been in brilliant form all season,” said Mr Angarane. “Given that he has also won the Phillip Island event for the last three years and loves racing on the track we are expecting big crowds at the event.
“This weekend is one of our busiest and our community has really embraced the Grand Prix. “We know the visitors and riders love coming to Phillip Island and the welcome they receive from the locals is a very big part of the success of the event,” continued Mr Angarane.
“However, the Grand Prix does have a big impact on traffic and we advise anyone not attending the event to avoid the area around the intersection of Phillip Island Road and Back Beach Road on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, from around 3.00pm. “Traffic on Phillip Island Road is also usually very slow on Monday after the event, up until about 1.00pm.
“We encourage any visitors who stay for the Sunday night to plan to leave after 9.00am, so they don’t impact on people trying to get to work or drop children at school,” Mr Angarane said. “The event relies heavily on land surrounding the circuit and adjacent paddocks for parking and its availability will be subject to ground conditions.
“However if ground conditions are too wet, a staged alternate parking plan will be implemented to accommodate patrons.
“A key component of this is the park and ride. Patrons will be encouraged to park in established car parks along the route to the circuit and in Cowes. “They can take advantage of existing shuttle bus services which will be running regularly to the track,” said Mr Angarane.
“Brochures outlining road closures and traffic plans have been distributed to visitors and the local community. “Cowes will have live music performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well the super screen in Thompson Avenue, so there will be plenty for people to see and do,” Mr Angarane continued.
“Last year a ‘Show and Shine’ in Cowes on Saturday morning was very well received. Given its success an expanded version ‘Classics on Cowes’ is proposed this year with a number of motorcycle related activities and static displays.
“Coinciding with the end of the Cranbourne ride it will showcase old and interesting motorbikes and have motorcycle activities including trials riding exhibitions.
“Early interest in the Barry Sheene Memorial Ride is strong and it is expected to reach Inverloch from Morwell from around 1.50pm on Thursday, 13 October. “It will then proceed through Wonthaggi to San Remo where the riders will stop and regroup. The ride is scheduled to leave San Remo for the GP Circuit at 3.25pm,” said Mr Angarane.