The South East Queensland Off Road Racing Association (SEQORRA) has been given a major boost ahead of the 2020 Cobb & Co Hotel St. George 399 with the Queensland Government announcing plans to throw financial support behind the event.
The event has received funding via Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program to assist in putting on the BFGoodrich Motorsport Australia Off Road Championship’s season opener in April.
The four-year-old event has been recognised for the positive impact it has towards the local region and forms part of TEQ’s It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar, which is worth $880 million to the state’s economy in 2020.
Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the government supported the 2020 Cobb & Co Hotel St.George 399 via Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program, which has seen the government invest more than $11.5 million across 346 events since 2015.
“Events like this are crucial when it comes to attract tourists to the region and giving a shot-in-the-arm to local businesses,” she said.
“By growing this event we can encourage more visitors to spend more in the community and support local jobs.”
Taking place in the South East rural town of St. George, the event has continued to grow since its inception in 2017, with participation levels reaching a record field of 75 competitors last year.
The event’s attendance has also dramatically increased as spectators from neighbouring towns often flock into St George to catch a glimpse of the best off road racers in the country complete the 400km across a mixture of tradition Australian terrain.
Event Clerk of Course and SEQORRA Barry Neuendorff was thrilled with the financial support offered by TEQ.
“Our team works really hard in creating a great event for competitors who in turn put on a great show for the local community,” Neuendorff said.
“It’s fantastic that the Queensland Government also recognises this and considered us for financial support. Every little bit helps.
“We’re very grateful and excited about this opportunity which has been presented to the club and can’t wait to continue showcasing the beauty that is off road racing in South East Queensland.”
Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca was also proud for the support given by the Queensland Government.
“An event like the St. George 399 is terrific for the local region’s economy and we are very pleased that the state also recognises this and has rewarded them accordingly,” Arocca said.
“Off Road is an adrenaline filled form of racing that has a large sense of camaraderie within the communities that are involved in it.
“As the opening round of both the national and state off road championships, there is often a lot of interest surrounding this event, so we welcome the government’s support on this.”
The Cobb & Co Hotel St. George 399 takes place in St George on 3-5 April.
