Lowndes says funding off track

Four-time Bathurst winner Craig Lowndes says more money should be spent on keeping and improving permanent circuits.  His comments come in the wake of Sydney's Oran Park closing this year and Perth's Barbagallo Circuit missing out on a V8 round because of poor track facilities.

Ipswich also nearly missed out on a round for the same reasons until local and state governments brokered a one-off deal for this year, pending improvements in the track and facilities for next year.  Lowndes said circuits such as Queensland Raceway could become international-standard tracks with the injection of much-needed funds.

"If money was spent lengthening and improving the Ipswich circuit it could host an international event like World Superbikes," he said.  "We'd also end up with a better permanent facility that could also be used for driver training."

Lowndes said it was vital that the Ipswich track remain part of the V8 Supercars round.  "I'd like to see money spent first on better facilities for the fans, but I also think it needs money to improve the track," he said.  Lowndes would like the track lengthened and a motocross circuit added.

"About eight months ago I was part of a group that looked at improvements to the track and we found we could also integrate a motocross track which would be good because they're closing down all over.  "We need more tracks ... not fewer."

Queensland Raceway lessee John Tetley said he had not yet had discussions with V8 Supercars about the future of the event.  "I give it a 50/50 chance of surviving," he said.