Stamp of Approval for 2016 Macau Grand Prix

This year's running of the 63rd Macau Grand Prix has received a special stamp of approval - for more reasons than one.

In addition to two events gaining World Cup status, the annual motor sport spectacular is to be recognised with a commemorative stamp issue series, to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Furthermore, the F3 cars of the Theodore Racing team will brandish the “Experience Macao: Your Own Style” motto to help promote Macao as tourist destination during the Grand Prix.

One of the drivers will be New Zealand motor racing F3 favourite Nick Cassidy.

Like the 63rd running of the Formula 3 event, the 50th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix will be a World Cup race, as rewarded by the governing body FIA, the International Automobile Federation.

“You can almost sense the excitement as teams from around the world prepare for this annual road race meeting from November 17-20,” said Helen Wong, general manager of the Macao Government Tourism Office (Australia and New Zealand).

“In honour of the 50th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, Macao Post will issue a set of commemorative stamps,” she said. “The set of five stamps feature some of the most iconic winners in the history of the event. In addition, a range of commemorative souvenirs have been produced, including T-shirts, gloves, key chains and leather jackets. The merchandise will be on sale at various points around the circuit during the event to promote the Grand Prix.”

A series of events will be held to encourage widespread participation in the celebrations, including the promotional show at Tap Seac Square, where racing machinery from the Macau GT Cup and Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix will be on display.

Entry will be free, allowing residents and international enthusiasts from Australian the chance to get an up-close look at some of the cars and motorcycles which will be out on the Guia road cirtcuit.

A series of events will be held during a Grand Prix week to commemorate the Golden Jubilee with former winners Mick Grant (1977 and 1984), Steve Plater (2006 and 2007), and Phillip McCallen (1996) returning to Macao as part of the celebrations.

An exhibition of classic motorcycles will join the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix and Macau GT Cup show on November 12 and 13, as well as take part in a parade around the road circuit on Saturday, November 19.

DETAILS: Macao Government Tourism Office Australia and NZ, phone (02) 9264 1488, www.macautourism.gov.mo

Macau Grand Prix: http://www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo/gp/63/home/