Sunraysia’s local economy is set to receive a healthy boost this weekend as the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association (SDRA) brings national-calibre racing to the region.
More than 160 teams from across the country have entered the Mildura round of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Drag Racing Championships at the Sunset Strip.
Councillor for Recreation and Events Mark Eckel congratulated the SDRA for its tireless efforts hosting and attracting such high-calibre events to the region year in, year out.
“The Sunraysia Drag Racing Association is a prime example of the vital role our local hard-working sporting clubs and associations play in boosting our local economy through major events,” Cr Eckel said.
“This weekend’s event is set to bring close to 600 people to our region just through competitors and their crew, most of whom will be staying in our region for multiple nights.
“Then there are the visiting spectators national events of this scale draw from surrounding regions, as well as officials from outside the district.
“All of these very welcome visitors spend money on local accommodation, in supermarkets, local restaurants, pubs and clubs, in retail and other sectors.
“It shows the vital role not just sporting groups, but in this case, motorsport plays as a significant economic driver for our region.
“I’m proud Council was able to partner with the Sunraysia Drag Racing Association through our Events, Funding and Support Grants Program. I know our Events and Projects team are continually striving to build partnerships like this with other event organisers in our region.”
SDRA President David Thornton reiterated Cr Eckel’s comments in relation to the role motorsport plays in bringing visitors to the region.
“With this type of event, we work on the majority of competitors traveling from outside the region, and in the case of this weekend’s meeting, about 140 of the estimated 160 entries are from outside the district,” Mr Thornton said.
“On average, each competitor will have a crew of three or four per vehicle, plus the driver, so there is a multiplier effect in terms of bringing people to the region.
“I know this weekend, we have competitors traveling from as far away as Perth and Queensland to race.”
The Mildura round of the Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series Australian Drag Racing Championships at the Sunset Strip Event runs from 10am to 5pm Saturday, and 10am to 4pm Sunday.
Local clubs and associations interesting in applying for support for their next major event through Council’s Events, Funding and Support Grants Program can find out more at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/Grants or phone 03 5018 8100.
