Above: Skull and his son Chevy from Cranbourne stand in front of the thousands of motorbikes that lined High Street for last year’s GP Run. By Melissa Meehan
LOCAL police are going into emergency mode as they prepare for the thousands of visitors expected in Cranbourne during its ‘big weekend’ next month.
The Motorcycle Grand Prix and Spring Racing Carnival are set to bring big crowds to Cranbourne on 13 and 14 October, making it what only can be described as the weekend of the year for the City of Casey.
Cranbourne CIU Detective Senior Constable Peter Carroll said a large contingent of police was being organised for the MRA Cranbourne GP Run on the Saturday, with traffic delays expected, especially with the Cranbourne Cup to be held the following day.
“We are expecting huge traffic problems here,” he said.
“Locals should be aware there will be major traffic congestion, particularly at the intersection of High and Sladen streets.”
Casey mayor Colin Butler said this year the council was planning to organise entertainment and activities to keep visitors in Cranbourne for the full weekend.
“In previous years the streets have become a ghost town as soon as the GP Run is over, only giving local retailers business for a short period,” he said.
“We hope to change that by giving visitors reasons to stay.”
More than 3000 riders are expected to assemble for the GP Run, with the number of spectators expected to reach 10,000.
The GP Run, held by the City of Casey, will launch the convoy of thousands of motorcycle riders on their way to Phillip Island for the 2007 Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix.
After moving the race from Wednesday to Sunday in 2005, Cranbourne Cup Day will kick off the Spring Racing Carnival in the City of Casey on Sunday 14 October.
Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge said his committee was expecting crowd numbers to top 10,000 at the cup.
Mr Bainbridge said the committee hoped to provide a safe, fun and affordable day out for families and other members of the community.
He was excited about the big weekend.
“You could say that there will be lots of horse power in Cranbourne during the cup weekend,” Mr Bainbridge said.
“The races and the GP send-off puts Cranbourne on the map as the capital of sport in south eastern Victoria.”
Casey deputy mayor Kevin Bradford, who is chairman of the Cranbourne GP Run Organising Committee, said there was a lot of hard work behind the scenes to secure the appearance of world motorcycle champion Mick Doohan, who will wave off the riders at the annual event.
“I know it will add to the colour and excitement of this unique event,” Cr Bradford said.
Cranbourne Police also reminded people that no alcohol was allowed on the streets due to City of Casey by-laws.
If caught, offenders will receive an on-the-spot $100 fine.
The GP Run and Cranbourne Cup Day will include a selection of live entertainment, roving performers, car, bike and truck displays, food and community stalls, as well as a People’s Choice Bike Display.
Cranbourne Cup Day will also include a kids’ carnival atmosphere with clowns and inflatable slides and castles.
The GP Run expects riders to assemble in High Street, Cranbourne, from 8am on Saturday 13 October.
The Cranbourne Cup will be held at Cranbourne Racecourse on Sunday 14 October, with the first race beginning at noon.
