The Department of Sport and Recreation is promoting a $27 million upgrade of Barbagallo Raceway that will not only retain the annual V8 Supercars meeting but allow the circuit to stage international events.

Consultancy firm GHD produced a report this year proposing three options for Perth's only motor racing track and, after assessment, the department has backed the most extensive and expensive of these as the best option.

The upgrade involves extending the track to 4.3km and widening it from 9m to 12m, building new pits and a three-storey control complex, providing lighting for night racing and parking for 5000 cars, improving corporate and spectator facilities, expanding the existing medical facility and laying a concrete skidpan for driver training.

V8 Supercar controlling company Avesco had threatened to withdraw the WA round from the championship because of inadequate and ageing facilities at the Wanneroo circuit which, at 2.4km, is one of the shortest in use.

Avesco's contract with the WA Sporting Car Club to stage a race meeting in Perth expires this year. However, the company has indicated it will continue to schedule a WA round as long as the Government commits to improving the track and facilities.

If the State Government gives the proposal the go-ahead, land to the north of the circuit will be acquired to accommodate the new track extension, pits and control centre.

Wattle Avenue, the main access road to the circuit, will be realigned.

The GHD report notes that the most extensive upgrade option would allow the complex to operate profitably by hosting motor sport and driver training events.

The $27 million option would secure the V8 round without further demands for infrastructure improvements and, by retaining the WA Sporting Car Club as operational manager, continue to deliver services to the motor sport community.

The Department of Sport and Recreation is preparing a detailed report and budget to take to the Government by August.

DAVE HUGHES