The inaugural GT Festival at Phillip Island has kick started in style, with a convoy of million dollar GT-style race cars crossing the bridge at San Remo, Victoria, and making their way to the Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.
Former F1 driver and 24 Hour of Le Mans winner David Brabham led the field in the Harrolds Racing Mercedes-AMG across San Remo bridge, completing the 18km journey from the mainland to The Island.
The Brabham Mercedes was joined by prestige brands such as BMW, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Audi, Ford, Porsche and McLaren on the GT Road Trip.
The trek started at the Bass Coast College – San Remo Campus where hundreds of Year 7-9 school children poured over the cars, joined by Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Clare Le Serve.
The GT Road Trip saw the thoroughbred race cars travel over the San Remo bridge and past towns on the Island including Newhaven, Cape Woolamai, Surf Beach and Smiths Beach on their way to Back Beach Road – the gateway to the world famous Phillip Island circuit.
The GT Road Trip was the perfect way to start the GT Festival which will feature three major racing categories, including Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS, Monochrome GT4 Australia and the Maguiar's Australian Production Car Series.
The inaugural GT Festival, promoted by SRO Motorsports Australia, takes place at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on August 23-25 and has free entry for spectators all weekend.
Those who can't make it to Phillip Island can tune into the action via the live broadcast on Kayo/Foxtel, as well as the GT World YouTube Channel.
QUOTES
David Brabham
Driver, Harrolds Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3
"What a way to arrive at Phillip Island," said Brabham.
"To come through San Remo and over the bridge, it was an amazing start to the weekend.
"It was the first time I've actually driven the car, and the first time that I'd been in a race car on the public road.
"And to start off, with all the kids at the Bass Coast College as well – they were super rapt. They were really pleased to see all of the cars and got really involved in it. It was a fantastic atmosphere.
"I haven't been to Phillip Island for a number of years now. Last time I raced here was back in 2010, so I'm looking forward to getting into it. Like I said, I haven't driven the Harrolds Racing Mercedes AMG, and compared to the racing that I'm doing in the UK at the moment, it's a lot more competitive here in Australia. So, it'll be really interesting to see where I am at personally, but I'm also here to help my team-mate Chris Batzios."
Cr Clare Le Serve
Mayor, Bass Coast
"We're really excited to have the GT Festival at Phillip Island this weekend, and to attend the road trip and the launch at the Bass Coast College was fantastic," said Cr Le Serve.
"Phillip Island is an iconic motorsport track. It's internationally renowned and it's certainly something that the Bass Coast Council loves. We're really pleased that we are here and we are looking forward to the weekend."