The City of Casey has long been a home to quality racing. Each year, the Cranbourne Cup kicks off the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival. However, it was horsepower of a different kind being waved off by Casey Mayor Janet Halsall on the weekend prior to the Cup. Joined by five time world 500cc motorcycle champion, Mick Doohan, the Mayor farewelled over 5,000 motorcyclists in the annual Oz GP Run to Phillip Island.
Casey has made the most of the return of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix to Phillip Island. The OZ GP Run is attracting increasing numbers of bikers each year, with the send off from Cranbourne a highlight of the Run. Bikers enjoy breakfast with the Casey community, courtesy of Council, before riding to the Island in spectacular convoy.
Council estimated that more than 10,000 people lined local footpaths to view the spectacle and send off the riders, making it the major event leading into the 500cc Grand Prix.
Within days of the Run the City marshalled its forces again for two days of horse racing staged by the Cranbourne Turf Club
With both forms of horsepower bringing tens of thousands of people to Casey, Council is looking at ways of enhancing both events in the future.
