It’s been a long time since there was any motorsport at the iconic circuit, but after months of deliberation, the Phillip Island Auto Racing Club (PIARC) will hold a special combined event there this weekend, The Access 2020.

 

The annual PIARC Access event was originally scheduled to have taken place earlier this month, but its cancellation due to the ongoing restrictions saw it merge with this weekend’s supersprint.

 

As a result, a bumper schedule has been created for this weekend with 230 entrants to enjoy track time on both days.

 

More than 150 of those competitors are entered into the supersprint, which will be spread across both Saturday and Sunday.

 

On Saturday, the entrants will be spending the day testing and tuning their cars through several practice sessions in readiness for Sunday’s competition, where they will get multiple opportunities to record the fastest time in their allotted class.

 

While the other three race categories have less entrants, in no way will they be regarded as support categories, with all three expected to offer a solid display of entertaining action.

 

Taking place on Saturday will be the Superkarts Victorian Championship with 40 competitors confirmed to run on the day, as well as the popular Hyundai Excels, which boasts a healthy 24 car field.

 

On Sunday, the 18 drivers in the Porsche 944s get their chance to shine as they run alongside the official supersprint sessions.

 

PIARC President Warren Reid believed the event was a fantastic opportunity to get some motorsport in again.

 

“It’s been a long time coming and the club is really excited to finally be able to give Victorians an opportunity to get some track time on our wonderful circuit,” Reid said.

 

“There is a lot of positivity from competitors, officials and the club in general, so it’s safe to say people are itching to get out there again and we can’t wait for the weekend to come around."

 

Vice President Nick Scarcella echoed Reid’s comments, saying he was thrilled with the interest and support shown by competitors.

 

“It’s a bit of a shame that we had to cancel the first leg of PIARC’s Festival of Motorsport, but it’s great that competitors in Superkarts, Excels and Porsche 944s were able to join this weekend," Scarcella added.

 

“The organisation of an event in the current climate has been a bit of a challenge, as what would have been the case with many different clubs around the country, but it’s all worth it and it has certainly prepared us nicely for the upcoming Island Magic, which celebrates its 30th anniversary later this month.”