V8 Supercars ready to rumble at Chill Perth 360

• First chance to see 'Car of the Future' V8s in Perth

• New Nissan and Erebus Motorsport V8 Mercedes-Benz teams

• Chill Perth 360 supported by State Government through Eventscorp

Barbagallo Raceway will add another chapter to its long history this weekend when the V8 Supercars return to the track for just the second time since the State Government's $15million upgrade last year.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the new track would host the new generation of V8 Supercars for the first time - and two manufacturers would make history by hitting the track for the Perth round, the V8 Supercars Championship - the Chill Perth 360.

"Barbagallo Raceway will be making history on a number of fronts - for the first time in 20 years we'll see new competition for Holden and Ford on Barbagallo Raceway," Dr Hames said.

"The Chill Perth 360 will give Western Australian motorsport fans their first look at the Nissan teams and Erebus Motorsport team, driving Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

"On top of that, it's the first time the new 'Car of the Future' machines will battle it out on Barbagallo.

"Barbagallo Raceway was upgraded last year as part of the State Government's commitment to provide first-class facilities for the people of WA - and the improvements have been praised by the teams, drivers, officials and fans.

"Chill Perth 360 is also supported through Eventscorp.  We're delighted to play a role in bringing top-class Australian motorsport to Perth - and hope to see the event top last year's crowd of 46,000 people."

The Minister said local fans would have another reason to celebrate with local hero Garth Tander racing in his 200th Australia Touring Car Championship/V8 Supercars event.

"There's also the added bonus for fans of seeing former World Moto GP Champion Casey Stoner in only his second race in the Dunlop Development Series," he said.

There will be four other support categories in the action-packed race schedule during the weekend, including the V8 Utes, Touring Car Masters, Formula Ford and Saloon Cars.

"As well as all the action on the track, there will be plenty of activities around the raceway for all ages - including, for the first time, Disney Pixar Fun Zone, which is sure to be a big hit with the kids," Dr Hames said.

      Fact File

• V8 Supercars Qualifying on Friday, one race on Saturday and two on Sunday

• Driver signing event at Forrest Place from 12.30pm Thursday, May 2

• More information at http://www.v8supercars.com.au

Minister's office - 6552 5300