The unheralded growth of V8 Supercars within Australia and around the world continues to break new ground as one of the greatest success stories on and off the race track. Supporters and commercial partners continue to flock to the Series in record numbers.

It is Australia’s premier racing category which is managed wholly by V8 Supercars Australia, the governing body responsible for the marketing, promotion and staging of the Championship.

V8 Supercars Australia comprises a joint venture between the Touring Car Entrants Group of Australia (TEGA – 75 per cent) and Sports Entertainment Limited (SEL – 25 per cent).

TEGA is representative of all teams, rules and technical management of the series and the supply of cars and drivers. SEL is responsible for capturing and maintaining broadcasting rights, sponsorship, licensing and sanction agreements.

Together they ensure V8 Supercars remain a healthy and vibrant industry underpinned by the strong financial structure with a strong platform for growth, while simultaneously developing an integrated approach to managing and marketing the category.

From humble beginnings in 1997 as a two-person team, the category continues to capture the hearts and minds of all Australians, young and old.

Across the board promoters and circuits are meeting the challenge of providing first class venues for media and supporters. Corporate attendance is increasing massively each year.

The Super Cheap Auto 1000 is one of Australia’s largest annual sporting events and boasts International exposure on the same scale as the AFL Grand Final and the Melbourne Cup.

The iconic Bathurst race has been added to a growing number of races that V8 Supercar Events, a sister company of V8 Supercars Australia, promote, a list that includes Symmons Plains in Tasmania and the final round of the Championship at Phillip Island.

V8 Supercar Events is now a major component of the V8 Supercar Championship Series and will become a major revenue source for the Championship.

In terms of attendance more than 1.7 million people attended V8 Supercar events in Australia, China and New Zealand in 2005. The Clipsal 500 in Adelaide in March attracted a championship record 255,600 spectators – more than any Formula One event held at the circuit.

The Gillette V8 Supercar Challenge on the Gold Coast hosted more than 300,000 people. V8 Supercar racing is integral to the success of the Lexmark Indy 300 and the Australian Grand Prix.

The Championship Series is Australia’s third most watched sport behind cricket and AFL.

The Series will continue its rapid international foray with the announcement that it had fast-tracked an event to be held in Bahrain in November.

The Bahrain round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit from November 22-24. It will be hosted by the King of Bahrain, His Majesty, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.