It’s been some kind of year in the V8 Supercar Championship Series and again it looks like the title could be decided in the very last round, the Sydney Telstra 500 at Homebush in December. Of course we’ll be there with Sportsnet, but it forced me to think back to the 2010 Homebush V8 event and I remembered how there was a unique feel to the whole Sydney V8 experience. I’ll try to explain.
Sydney of course is one of Australia’s premiere tourist destinations with 9.7 million visitors from both overseas and domestic ports popping in last financial year. With this in mind I was still surprised with how ‘normal’ things were in the CBD, The Rocks, Kings Cross and Circular Quay. There was hardly any indication at all that the V8’s were even happening. Having been to Clipsal, Bathurst, Townsville and Hidden Valley where it’s ALL about the race, it was somewhat refreshing. I’ll explain.
Homebush was V8 heaven. New track, extraordinary garages (actually IN a pavilion), brilliant grandstands and a ‘Merchandise Alley’ to die for. It was jam packed with hardcore V8 fans and the smell, noise and excitement rivaled any V8 event on the calendar. We even got to see James Courtney wrap up his title on the Sunday and celebrate in style! I loved it!
Flipside. Sydney was Sydney and it needn’t be anything more. We still climbed the Bridge, did breakfast at Bondi (via Harley no less!), flew past the Opera House and under the Bridge on insane Jet-Boats and enjoyed some of the finest cuisine and beverages that Sydney has to offer. It felt like another world. It felt like another holiday altogether!
Off to Bondi for brekkie!
Some of the people in our group weren’t total V8 enthusiasts so this unique combination of destination based attractions unaffected by the race – and the hardcore V8 action at Homebush was, for them, just what the doctor ordered. For myself, and the other full-on V8 fans, it was actually really cool to see more than the track, your hotel and the inside of every bar in the hosting destination for a change.
Tranquil start to V8 race day. Nice!
It may have been proximity. Homebush IS 40 minutes from the CBD. It might have been the sheer size of the city and her population. Or it may simply have been that there is so so much to do in the Harbour City. Whatever the reason, it was refreshing to everyone no matter WHAT they were looking for. It felt like I got 2 brilliant experiences for the price of 1. All I can say is bring it on for 2011 man…I’m already working on how I can fit everything into 5 days. This is going to be awesome.
YOUR say about OUR say!