A day after the state government announced a $1.7 million three-year extension to the championship visiting Symmons Plains, Ingall warned the state not to rest on its laurels and said increased investment in the track, facilities and the event were essential.

The championship's 46-year-old elder statesman, who debuted 14 years ago and won the title in 2005, said Tasmania's best-attended annual event needed to get bigger.

"They've taken the first step but now need to take it to the next level," Ingall said.

"All the time we've been coming here it's stayed at the same level, and it will need plenty of co-operation from a lot of people to take it to that next level.

"But other states have done it, so why not? It's a fantastic proven formula."

Ingall encouraged organisers of the Tasmanian round to tap into the state's tourist market and consider including night concerts or even street circuit racing.

"Tasmania is such a good tourist destination and that needs to be explored along with the popularity of this event," he said.

"They could make it a real event like Adelaide, Homebush or Townsville.

"Tasmania has a unique opportunity with the motor sport heritage it has. Maybe they could look at having a street race. Just look at somewhere like Longford - having one there would be phenomenal."

The two-time Bathurst winner said organisers needed to begin by investing in the venue.

"They need to upgrade it so that it's what people need. You need better facilities for spectators. You've got to look after them.

"The track probably needs to be a little bit longer. There is nothing wrong with the location and we need to keep circuits like this going, but they need to have a few bucks spent on them.

"You are not going to get bigger crowds without bigger venues, and Tasmania is too important not to have it given the sport and fan base here.

"What's here is very good and entertaining but it needs to be longer by today's standards, and with the right input I'm sure Symmons could become a really great location.

"The government has to get involved on that side because it all comes down to money.

"They need to make it about a bit more than just the car race, make it more of a festival. That's where each venue needs to tap into what is unique to them, and in Tasmania that's tourism and motor sport.

"Tasmania is close enough for everyone to get here but it needs more entertainment."

A crowd of 16,257 attended Symmons Plains yesterday, making a total of 31,561 so far this weekend, with the showpiece 200-kilometre V8 Supercar race to come today.