 |
 |
Press Release
Street Rods Back in Tasmania
19 March 2008
The Minister for Economic Development and Tourism welcomed the participants in the 2008 Island State Street Rod Nationals back to Tasmania this morning ahead of their five-day tour of the State.
“This is third time Tasmania has hosted the Australian Street Rod Federation’s Regional Nationals and I’m delighted to say that this year is the biggest Street Rod event Tasmania has ever seen,” Ms Wriedt said.
There are 425 of classic American cars participating, an increase of approximately 200 on the 2002 Tasmanian event.
“Over 300 cars are from interstate and they’re being accompanied by around 1,000 interstate visitors to our Island,” Ms Wriedt said.
Around 100 Tasmanian entries have been received for the 2008 Nationals, organised by the Australian Street Rod Federation, a not-for-profit voluntary organisation with 5,500 members nationwide.
More than 60 Street Rod vehicles arrived in the State over the weekend to explore the State’s east coast before the Nationals.
At the end of the five-day itinerary, the Street Rods and their passengers will continue to tour the State, participating in post-Nationals events including the “Rod Run” on the north-west coast next weekend.
Ms Wriedt said the 2008 Island State Street Rod Nationals is supported by the State Government through Events Tasmania’s Touring Event Program.
The Touring Event Program is designed to encourage car and motorcycle clubs, cycling touring groups and other touring event organisers to host their next event in Tasmania.
“The events and clubs attracted to the state through Event Tasmania’s Touring Event Grant Program play an important role in positioning Tasmania as a premier touring destination as well as bringing substantial economic, social and cultural benefits for our State.
“The 2008 Touring Event Grant Program has attracted 18 individual touring events to the State and is expected to bring more than 3,000 event visitors to Tasmania who will stay an average of nine nights and return an estimated $4 million to the Tasmanian economy, a substantial return on our investment in this important tourism sector,” Ms Wriedt said.
In launching the 2009 Touring Event Program, Ms Wriedt said that early interest suggests that 2009 could be even bigger for touring events in Tasmania.
Applications for 2009 are now being accepted and interested parties have until 30 June 2008 to lodge their application with Events Tasmania.