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SIGHTSEEING PASS

16/12/2015

Major Tourism Innovation Launch:

One-stop shop for tours, experiences and attractions: Sightseeing Pass
The game changer for finding and booking things to do in Western Australia

For visitors to Western Australia (WA), it has never been easier to find, plan and book tours, attractions and experiences thanks to new online platform Sightseeing Pass (sightseeingpassaustralia.com).

Western Australian couple Lisa and Chad D’Souza, who have 40 years combined tourism industry experience, are the brains behind the innovative mobile responsive website.

Sightseeing Pass Director Lisa D’Souza said that there are one-stop websites to book flights and accommodation, and now there’s one for sightseeing and touring.

“Sightseeing Pass has partnered with WA’s leading tour operators to provide hassle free booking, along with inspiration and advice on what to do in Perth, Broome and Margaret River,” Mrs D’Souza said.

“Our mission with Sightseeing Pass is to make it easy for visitors to book tours and attractions in WA, inspire them to book some of the incredible experiences we have here, as well as support local tourism operators and the WA tourism industry.”

Sightseeing Pass is an online e-commerce platform that is specifically designed for, and focussed on bundled travel experiences in WA. It is not just another online travel agency.

“There have been ‘physical’ passes tried in the past, bundled experiences so to speak, but what often happened is that they didn’t last because no one had ownership of them, and it was expensive to advertise them to ensure success.”

Mrs D’Souza said that Sightseeing Pass would be promoted to key WA tourism markets interstate and overseas via strategic partnerships, digital marketing campaigns and traditional advertising. Read more...

PERTH SPEED FEST

14/12/2015

Motorsport royalty rev up Perth Speed Fest

Motorsport fans have spent Sunday being entertained by some of the world's biggest stars at the inaugural Perth Speed Fest. A 9000-strong crowd watched in awe as drivers and riders from 25 different forms of motorsport put their vehicles through their paces on the five custom tracks at Perth Motorplex.

Formula One fans were thrilled to see in action Western Australia’s own F1 ace Daniel Ricciardo, as well as Australia’s only living F1 world champion Alan Jones. In a historic moment, Jones kicked off Perth Speed Fest driving his father’s famous Maybach III as part of the 1950’s vintage display, while Ricciardo piloted the 2011 world-championship winning Red Bull Racing RB7 in a series of drag challenges.

Ricciardo said he enjoyed the atmosphere of the event and the vibe from his home crowd.

“It was really special to get out there and put on a show for the fans in Perth and bring the F1 car to them. The day was all about having a good time - and that's what we did," Ricciardo said.

"It’s not every day you get to see and drive against this many different cars and bikes. It was a fantastic day out there - I know the team all enjoyed themselves. A great way to wrap up the season for everyone at Red Bull Racing.”

The day culminated in a head to head between Ricciardo and local drag racing star Craig Glassby in his Top Alcohol Funny Car. Glassby previously held the world record for the fastest quarter mile, and built a new car to reclaim that title, which he hopes to do in the coming months.

Glassby was faster than Ricciardo in the ultimate test of speed by 1.764secs.

"My car is built to go fast and straight - of course it was great to beat Daniel, it's a story I'll be telling my friends for years to come," he said. "It would've been a different story if we had to turn around and come back - he would've had me covered, and time for a cup of tea I reckon!"

Also getting behind the wheel to put on a show for the crowds were V8 Supercar drivers and brothers Will and Alex Davison, V8 Supercar driver Nick Percat, V8 ute racer James Brock, Perth teenager and V8 Supercar driver Alex Rullo, World Rally driver Alister McRae and Asia Pacific Rally driver Dean Herridge.

The fun wasn’t just restricted to those on four-wheels, with Australian MotoGP rider Jack Miller and 2014 Australasian Superbike champion Wayne Maxwell both demonstrating first-class showmanship in an expression session on the tarmac.

Freestyle Motocross legend Josh Sheehan, the rider responsible for the world’s first triple backflip on a motorcycle, defied gravity with a series of breathtaking flips and tricks. West Australian Sheehan said he was thrilled to be able to participate in an event of such calibre in his home state.

“I am stoked to be here. I am a rev-head and love all things motorsport. I don’t get to do many local shows these days, so it’s pretty awesome to have an event like this in my home town.” said Sheehan.

“It was really exciting to walk around and see so many different elements of motorsport in one location.”

A panel of experts led the commentary with special insight from Greg Rust, Alan Jones and Daryl Beattie.

Entertainment on and off track was non-stop with 60 separate motorsport demonstrations, autograph signings and over 300 historic, classic, sports and modified cars on show.

Event Director Greg McNeil said that it was a terrific day that truly celebrated all manner of motorsport and motoring.

Driver’s quotes

Alan Jones
“It was nice as far as I was in a car that my father used to race, so that was quite nostalgic for me. It’s always nice to hop in and do some laps in it – as slow as it may be I never thought I would be beaten by an 1956 ‘whatever’ convertible.”

Alister McRae
“I’m loving every minute – it’s been good fun to get on the track and put on a show for everybody. It feels like we are bringing back a taste of the old Rally Australia super stage.”

Jack Miller
“It’s been an awesome day. So cool to have so much motorsport around and the variety of different vehicles and disciplines has been great. I’ve had a ball!”

Wayne Maxwell
"Yeah, it's been a great day, I've really enjoyed it. It's been great to hang out with other drivers and riders and just have a good time putting on a show."

PERTH SPEED FEST

13/12/2015

Ricciardo in F1 car through the streets of Perth

Australian F1 star Daniel Ricciardo led a series of iconic cars and motorcycles in a demonstration along St Georges Terrace in Perth's CBD early this morning to herald the inaugural Perth Speed Fest, awing fans in the process.

Driving the Infiniti Red Bull Racing RB7 car that won the 2011 Formula One World Championship, Ricciardo, along with Jack Miller (MotoGP), Wayne Maxwell (Australian Superbikes), Nick Percat (V8 Supercars), Alister McRae (World Rally Championship), a NASCAR and super cars put on a display along a stretch of one of Perth's busiest thoroughfares, which were closed as the city's buildings reverberated to the ear-splitting sound of F1 for the first time.

Speaking at a press conference after the street demonstration at the Perth Speed Fest City Pit at the Barrack St Jetty, Duncraig product Ricciardo said the unique sensation of driving an F1 car through the streets of his hometown was one he'll always cherish.

“Getting in the RB7 is always fun, and it was pretty cool driving through middle of Perth. It’s cured my jet lag that’s for sure!” Ricciardo said.

“I love coming to Perth, it’s home. I’m really happy to bring some of the excitement of F1 to my hometown – sure there’s Melbourne, but it’s nice to have the RB7 in Perth. Not everyone can travel to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix.”

Perth Speed Fest will be a display of classic, modern and modified cars and motorbikes – along with the stars who drive and ride them – the likes of which WA has never seen.

Perth Speed Fest Director Greg McNeil said today was a sample of the machinery on show at Perth Motorplex tomorrow.

“We’re bringing together 25 different disciplines of motorsport and showcasing them in place, in one day – the action on track will be non stop,” McNeil said.

“We’re celebrating motoring too with all manner of cars and bikes that includes a rolling motor show of vehicles from the 1930s through to today, as well as unique and rare ones.”

Perth Speed Fest will be held on Sunday 13 December at Perth Motorplex and feature 60 separate events on five customised track layouts, with Ricciardo and the RB7 set to appear on track three times.

Tickets to Perth Speed Fest are available from www.perthspeedfest.com and at the gate at Perth Motorplex from 08:30 on Sunday, while the Perth Speed Fest App, complete with event schedules, maps and information about the stars headlining the event, is free to download and available for iPhones and Android.

Mr McNeil encouraged attendees to pre-purchase tickets online to avoid queues.

In addition to Ricciardo, Miller, Maxwell and Percat, the impressive line-up of motorsport talent taking part in Perth Speed Fest includes Australia’s only living F1 champion Alan Jones, 500cc motorcycle hero Daryl Beattie, FMX triple-backflip legend Josh Sheehan, V8 Supercar drivers and brothers Will and Alex Davison, Perth teenager and V8 Supercar driver Alex Rullo, V8 ute racer James Brock, World Rally driver Alister McRae, Asia Pacific Rally driver Dean Herridge, V8 pit lane reporter Riana Crehan, and motorsport broadcaster Greg Rust

For more, go to www.perthspeedfest.com

The official Perth Speed Fest hashtag is #PerthSpeedFest

PERTH SPEED FEST

8/12/2015

Perth Speed Fest App launched

The new Perth Speed Fest App means spectators will have all the event information at their fingertips.

Perth Speed Fest Director Greg McNeil said the environmentally friendly app means attendees can select events they don’t want to miss and save them to create their own event planner.

“Everyone coming to Perth Speed Fest on Sunday is encouraged to download the Perth Speed Fest App – they’ll have the latest schedule, all the info about the stars, the Perth Speed Fest map, and be able to share their photos on the Fan Wall as well as on social media,” Mr McNeil said.

“We have a ‘People’s Choice’ award for cars and bikes entered into the Motor Show - voting for your favourite is done through the app.

“One of the best reasons to download the app is because it’s the only way to win a hot lap on the day – three winners will get a hot lap with either Daniel Ricciardo, Will Davison or Alister McRae,” he said.

Ricciardo, Davison and McRae will each thrill a lucky winner in a hot lap in a Nissan GTR, Holden Garry Rogers V8 Supercar, and a Peugeot 208 Maxi rally car respectively.

Mr McNeil recommended checking for updates while connected to Wi-Fi before the event to ensure the latest information is downloaded.

“Once the app is downloaded, you won’t need data to access the schedules or the venue map.”

The Perth Speed Fest app is free and available now from the App Store and Google Play.

Perth Speed Fest will be held on Sunday 13 December at Perth Motorplex and feature 60 separate events showcasing more than 25 disciplines of motorsport on five customised track layouts, including Red Bull Racing’s 2011 championship winning F1 car driven by Daniel Ricciardo who’ll be out on track three times.

Motoring enthusiasts and motorsport fans can expect a huge showcase of classic, modern and modified cars and motorbikes with non-stop action, including the rolling Motor Show of magnificent cars and bikes in their eras.

Tickets to Perth Speed Fest are available at www.perthspeedfest.com and at the gate at Perth Motorplex from 08:30 on Sunday.

Mr McNeil encouraged attendees to pre purchase tickets online to avoid queues. Tickets available from www.perthspeedfest.com.

The impressive line up of motorsport talent taking part in Perth Speed Fest includes:
·      Australia’s only living F1 champion Alan Jones
·      The only Australian on the MotoGP grid Jack Miller
·      2014 Australasian Superbike champion Wayne Maxwell
·      500cc Motorcycle hero Daryl Beattie
·      FMX triple-backflip legend Josh Sheehan
·      V8 Supercar drivers and brothers Will and Alex Davison
·      V8 Supercar driver Nick Percat
·      Perth teenager and V8 Supercar driver Alex Rullo
·      V8 ute racer James Brock
·      V8 pit lane reporter Riana Crehan
·      World Rally driver Alister McRae,
·      Asia Pacific Rally driver Dean Herridge
·      Motorsport broadcaster Greg Rust

The official Perth Speed Fest hashtag is #PerthSpeedFest

The Perth Speed Fest App is free to download and available for iPhonesand Android.

PERTH SPEED FEST

7/12/2015

Top honours for Australia's racing icon, Alan Jones

Perth Speed Fest star, Australia’s only living Formula One champion, Alan Jones has received one of international motorsport’s most prestigious honours for lifetime achievement to the sport.

Last night in London, the world’s motorsport elite gathered at Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane for the annual Autosport Magazine Awards, where Jones was presented with the Gregor Grant Award for his lifetime contribution to motorsport.

Considered one of motoring’s highest honours for racing veterans, the Gregor Grant Award was named after the founder and editor of Autosport Magazine.

A collection of his career highlights was screened to a 1,200-strong audience, before Jones was presented with his award by fellow Australian F1 star Mark Webber.

“I'm extremely honoured to be here to receive this, because I know there have been some very famous people who have won this award," Jones said.

"All Aussies have it tough making it. Geographically, we're disadvantaged.

"Making the decision to leave Australia and come to the other side of the world shows you're fair dinkum about things."

Jones’ fleeting London visit comes only days ahead of his trip to WA for Perth Speed Fest this weekend, Sunday 13 December 2015, at Perth Motorplex. He joins an impressive list of motorsport talent including F1 star Daniel Ricciardo, the only Australian on the MotoGP grid Jack Miller, 2014 Australasian Superbike champion Wayne Maxwell, V8 Supercar drivers and brothers Will and Alex Davison, V8 ute racer James Brock, world-renowned Freestyle Motocross (FMX) rider Josh Sheehan and motorsport broadcaster Greg Rust.

“I love coming to Perth as it is so beautiful,” he said. “It will be great to catch up with old friends and to be able to see such a variety of cars up close and personal.”

Fans at Perth Speed Fest can witness another historic moment for Jones, when he drives his father’s famous racing car, the Maybach III, that’s owned by Peter Briggs of the York Motor Museum.

Third and last of the famous racing specials originally raced by his father Stan, the car is the result of a rebuild of Maybach II following damage it suffered in a major crash in the Australian Grand Prix in 1954.

Still using the original Maybach engine from a captured World War II German vehicle, the car continued to be raced in events around Australia until the engine expired when running second to Reg Hunt's 250F Maserati. It was replaced with a Chevrolet Corvette engine in 1957 and the car was again competitive, placing second to Lex Davidson's Ferrari in the 1958 Australian Grand Prix.

Perth Speed Fest will be held on 13 December at Perth Motorplex and consist of 60 separate events showcasing more than 25 disciplines of motorsport on five customised track layouts.

For a schedule of events, more on each of the motorsport stars, maps, information, and tickets, visit www.perthspeedfest.com.

Perth Speed Fest

7/12/2015

One week to go & FMX legend Josh Sheehan joins the line up

One of the biggest names in Freestyle Motocross (FMX), Josh Sheehan, joins an impressive list of motorsport talent taking part in Perth Speed Fest on Sunday 13 December 2015 at Perth Motorplex.

Currently the only rider who consistently performs the Double Backflip, Sheehan made history in April to become a bona fide legend, alongside the likes of Evel Knievel, when he landed the first ever Triple Backflip on a motorbike, a trick that took a year to train for.

In just one week, 29-year-old Sheehan will perform gravity-defying tricks and aerial stunts at Perth Speed Fest on the specialist FMX track.

Growing up on the family farm in Donnybrook, two hours south of Perth, Sheehan has made a huge impact at Night of the Jumps World Championships with six straight wins and then entered Red Bull X-Fighters and after winning he home-nation round of Sydney 2011.

Perth Speed Fest Event Director Greg McNeil said that Josh Sheehan would be on track, as well as in the air, multiple times throughout the day.

“Josh Sheehan is one of the best in the world at Freestyle Motocross – he’s exciting to watch whether you’re into bikes or not,” McNeil said.

“What he can do on a motorbike is amazing, I’m sure he’ll leave many people stunned with his spectacular moves.”

Known as one of the most innovative riders in his field, ‘Sheeny’ has stamped his authority in FMX as one of the world's best. Watch his history-making Triple Backflip here.

Sheehan joins the Perth Speed Fest team alongside Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo, Australia’s only living F1 champion Alan Jones, the only Australian on the MotoGP grid Jack Miller, reigning Australasian Superbike champion Wayne Maxwell, V8 Supercar drivers and brothers Will and Alex Davison, V8 ute racer James Brock, motorsport broadcaster Greg Rust, V8 pit lane reporter Riana Crehan, World Rally driver Alister McRae, 500cc Motorcycle hero Daryl Beattie, Perth teenager and V8 Supercar driver Alex Rullo and Asia Pacific Rally driver Dean Herridge.

Perth Speed Fest will be held on 13 December at Perth Motorplex and consist of 60 separate events showcasing more than 25 disciplines of motorsport on five customised track layouts.

For a schedule of events, more on each of the motorsport stars, maps, information, and tickets, visit www.perthspeedfest.com.

Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut

5/12/2015

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut now Sunday

Due to the unstable conditions predicted for tomorrow and with analysis of the forecast for Sunday, the Race Committee has elected to implement the two day window option and hold the King of the Cut on Sunday, 6th December (instead of Saturday, 5th December as originally planned).

The schedule for Sunday:

0900-1000 – Registration – pick up timing chips

1100 – Race briefing and make way to start

1230 – Start - Entrance to Dawesville Cut (West of the Dawesville Cut Bridge)

1430 – First competitors finishing

1600 – Presentations
Spectators are invited to watch competitors start the race at Dawesville Cut and to cheer them across the finishing line at Secret Harbour. Entry is free for spectators and refreshments will be available to purchase at Secret Harbour.

For more information, visit www.supwa.com.au

Beau O'Brien, winner of Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut 2014

O’Brian to defend title against stellar line-up at Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut

A stellar line-up of high profile athletes from across Australia and overseas will compete in the Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut (KOTC) stand up paddle (SUP) event in Mandurah on Saturday, 5 December.

In its fourth year, KOTC is considered one of the fastest runs in the world and will see competitors paddle 24 kilometres downwind from The Dawesville Cut at Port Bouvard to Secret Harbour, racing for world tour points or State representation.

With a total prize pool of $16,500, the largest prize purse for an SUP event in Australia, KOTC has been rated the sixth most influential event on the SUP World Tour by the primary SUP racing website, SUP Racer.

2014 KOTC and The Doctor champion, Beau O’Brian (QLD) will return to defend his title against international professionals including Travis Grant (Hawaii) and Tomoyasu Murabayashi (Japan).

O’Brian said he expected this year’s Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut to be another tough race.

“There will be quite a few big names at the event again this year, so it’s going to be another tight race,” Mr O’Brian said.

“The King of the Cut is known as one of the best events on the international SUP racing calendar due to the excellent location and the optimal weather conditions,” O’Brian said.

“I think my biggest competition will come from Travis Grant and Matt Nottage (QLD).”

Well known female competitors in this year’s event will include 2014 KOTC womens’ winner, Angie Jackson (QLD) and Olympic sailing gold medallist, Belinda Stowell-Brett (WA).

Spectators are invited to watch competitors start the race at Dawesville Cut (1.30pm) and to cheer them across the finishing line at Secret Harbour. Entry is free for spectators and refreshments will be available to purchase at Secret Harbour.

For more information, visit www.supwa.com.au

Perth Speed Fest

3/12/2015

Announcing new and local talent in the Perth Speed Fest line up

Alex Rullo, V8 Supercars
Alister McRae, World Rally Championship
Dean Herridge, Asia Pacific Rally Championship
Daryl Beattie, 500cc World Championship

Joining the impressive list of motorsport talent taking part in Perth Speed Fest is World Rally driver Alister McRae, 500cc Motorcycle hero Daryl Beattie, Perth teenager and V8 Supercar driver Alex Rullo and Asia Pacific Rally driver Dean Herridge.

They join Formula One star Daniel Ricciardo, Australia’s only living F1 champion Alan Jones, the only Australian on the MotoGP grid Jack Miller, reigning Australasian Superbike champion Wayne Maxwell, V8 Supercar drivers and brothers Will and Alex Davison, V8 ute racer James Brock, motorsport broadcaster Greg Rust and V8 pit lane reporter Riana Crehan.

Alex Rullo, now 15, is a V8 Supercar superstar-in-the-making and in June, became the youngest ever driver to win a national Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS) circuit race when he crossed the line at Winton, at just 14 years of age.

The Year 10 Trinity College student recently claimed the title of the 2015 Kumho Tyres V8 Touring Car Series Runner-up and Rookie of the Year.

"I feel really honoured to have been invited to be a part of the 2015 Perth Speed Fest and to have my name in the driver line-up next to some of my idols,” Rullo said.

"I'm looking forward to meeting Daniel Ricciardo – he’s a great ambassador for Australian Motorsport and also catching up with Alister McRae, who originally taught me car control."

Experienced rally driver and off road racer Alister McRae’s latest adventure was a brief foray in the now abandoned national series of the Extreme Rallycross, which he explained could be compared to 20Twenty Cricket as opposed to Test Matches.

The McRae name has been synonymous with rallying around the world for three decades with father Jimmy and sons Colin and Alister having won just about every title there is to win between them.

McRae has raced in all manner of events; on a bike in off-road endurance event the Australasian Safari, he won the 2011 Asia Pacific Rally Championship, and has raced the clock in 80 World Rally Championship events across the globe.

Another rally ace joins the Perth Speed Fest team, Dean Herridge, who has driven in 54 international rally events, including 13 times in Rally Australia.

“My most memorable event was the 2006 Rally Australia where I finished on the podium in the Production WRC class and in eighth position outright – those were great days,” Herridge said.

“I’m looking forward to getting on the twin dirt track at Perth Speed Fest – it’ll be like the good old days of Rally Australia’s Super Special Stage.”

On two wheels, Daryl Beattie is one of Australia’s most loved motorsport heroes. A six-year competitor in the 500cc World Championship, Beattie’s best was in 1995 where he was leading the championship, then despite breaking a collarbone, finished the season runner up.

Beattie’s relaxed and modest manner made him popular on and off the track. Since retiring in 1997 after a number of serious injuries, he has retained his status as being a household name and has been an integral part of Network Ten’s motorsport team for the past 16 years.

Beattie will be on track at Perth Speed Fest riding a CBR1100XX Honda Blackbird.

Perth Speed Fest Event Director Greg McNeil said that besides the exceptional line up of motorsport talent, young and local drivers and riders will be on track.

“Providing a platform for young and local drivers to perform in front of a crowd is part of our event strategy,” McNeil said.

“And, importantly, supporting women in motorsport by showcasing some of our female racers. I tell you, these girls don’t hold back and are just as quick as the boys in their categories.

“Needless to say, they are all thrilled to be alongside names like Ricciardo, Jones, Miller, Davison, Maxwell, McRae and Beattie,” Mr McNeil said.

Girl racers include speedway pocket rocket 21-year-old Laura Byrnes and Australia’s fastest woman the first female to obtain an Australian jet dragster license, 20-year-old Rhiannon Allison.

A local quickly making a name for himself is former world-record holder for fastest quarter mile in a top alcohol funny car, drag racer Craig Glassby.

Glassby is one of the drivers that will go head to head against Ricciardo at Perth Speed Fest. Ricciardo, in Red Bull Racing’s RB7 2011 world championship winning F1 car, will put the F1 car through its paces with laps of the track before lining up against other cars three times throughout the day in a spectacle set to thrill fans.

Perth Speed Fest will be held on 13 December at Perth Motorplex and consist of 60 separate events showcasing more than 25 disciplines of motorsport on five customised track layouts.

For a schedule of events, more on each of the motorsport stars, maps, information, and tickets, visit www.perthspeedfest.com.

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SIGHTSEEING PASS

PERTH SPEED FEST

PERTH SPEED FEST

PERTH SPEED FEST

PERTH SPEED FEST

Perth Speed Fest

Stand Up Surf Shop King of the Cut

Perth Speed Fest

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