August 08, 2008

SYDNEY'S Eastern Creek Raceway has unveiled plans for a $93 million upgrade that would make it Australia's best racetrack.

Track officials released details of its master plan, commissioned from leading British firm Apex Circuit Design.

Despite missing out on snatching the Australian Formula One Grand Prix from Melbourne, track officials are pushing ahead and hope to lure MotoGP, superbikes and international sportscar races to Sydney.

Plans call for the track to be brought up to F1 standard -- with the proposal getting initial FIA approval -- as well as MotoGP specification.

More than 800m of track would be added, and the racing direction reversed.

It would be 4.7km long, second only to Bathurst's Mt Panorama, and would also mean three separate shorter layouts of the track could be used at the same time.

John Cotter, president of circuit manager the Australian Racing Drivers' Club, is calling on owner the New South Wales Government to fund the makeover.

He wants the Government to invest in the track instead of a V8 Supercar street race around the former Olympic site at Homebush.