Some of Sunraysia’s most successful motorsport exports will take centre stage for the official launch of the Mildura Regional Motorsport Strategy this month.

The launch will take on place on Wednesday, 27 March at Powerhouse Place, featuring a panel of home-grown motorsport champions including, world ski race champion Chelsea Blight, V8 Supercars champion Rick Kelly, multiple Australian Top Fuel drag racing champion Phil Lamattina, three-time Australian Superbike champion Josh Waters and 10-time Australian Solo Speedway champion Leigh Adams.

Tickets are free and can be booked at https://events.humanitix.com/mildura-regional-motorsport-strategy-launch.

Mildura Mayor Liam Wood said the community, including local motorsport fans, participants and club members, are invited to attend the launch, which is a free event.

“Featuring a panel of some of our region’s most successful motorsport champions is a great way to officially launch this strategy,” Cr Wood said.

“The event will provide a chance for local motorsport fans to listen to each of our champion panellists talk about their motorsport journeys as well as the benefits of having an all-encompassing strategy to grow motorsport in our region.

“It will also provide an opportunity after the formalities to meet and talk to each of our champions.

“While this is a great way to launch this landmark strategy, it’s also a chance for us to celebrate our region’s enviable achievements and international reputation as a breeding ground for motorsport champions and iconic events.”

Motorsport Australia Chief Executive Officer Sunil Vohra indicated his support for the new approach to developing motorsport in the Sunraysia region.

“Motorsport Australia’s mission is to see more people enjoying more motorsport more often, and this strategy is a key part of achieving that growth for the Sunraysia region,” Motorsport Australia CEO Sunil Vohra said.

“Mildura Council should be congratulated for its efforts in developing this strategy and we are keen to support the implementation of this strategy in the years ahead.

“Grassroots motorsport is a key driver of the sport across the country, and building on the success of the region’s motorsport heritage will allow this region to showcase the raw talent that already exists.

“Motorsport is, of course, a key driver of local economies, and it’s great to see Mildura Council understand its importance to the region. We can’t wait to see what’s next for motorsport in this area.”

Cr Wood said the strategy was the first of its kind in Australia, breaking new ground driving growth in motorsport by building capacity of local clubs.

“Motorsport is something our region is recognised for nationally and internationally, producing generations of champions across a whole host of disciplines, taking in two wheels, four wheels, dirt, bitumen and on the water,” the Mayor said.

“It’s also one of our region’s major economic drivers, pumping tens of millions of dollars into our economy each year.

“This innovative new strategy is aimed at capitalising on this potential by empowering the hard-working local motorsport clubs we have to thank for putting us on the map as a breeding ground for motorsport.”

Cr Wood said the strategy put clubs squarely in the driver’s seat, led by a Mildura Motorsport Alliance that would serve as a steering committee to drive actions in the strategy.  

The strategy can be viewed at https://www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Council/Major-Projects/Mildura-Regional-Motorsport-Strategy