‘It’s a disaster for the state’: SA’s motorsport stars on the prospect of no Supercars action here in 2022

South Australia is facing the prospect of having no motorsport events in 2022 – and local Supercars drivers say they are devastated as fans.

South Australian Supercar drivers Nick Percat and Todd Hazelwood say they are disappointed and frustrated that SA faces the prospect of not hosting a touring car race event for the first time in 52 years, after the state was left off the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship draft calendar.

Hazelwood, who on Sunday finished eighth at the Bathurst 1000, said he was frustrated that the future of motorsport in SA seemed to have turned political.

“It’s pretty disappointing to see that it’s the third largest sport in the country and yet South Australia is going to be the only state that won’t showcase our sport all because of a political agenda,” he said.

“It’s pretty frustrating from our point of view as an industry; we’d love to put on a show for all the fans of motorsport.”

Supercars racing at The Bend in May this year. Picture: BRENTON EDWARDS

Percat, who finished sixth at the iconic Bathurst 1000 event, said it was sad to see SA turn from a state that had boasted a proud and rich history of motorsport, including the Formula One Grand Prix, the now defunct Adelaide 500 and Supercars at The Bend in Tailem Bend, to one that potentially hosted none.

“It’s a bit of a disaster for the state,” he said.

“Any young kids in Adelaide or SA who are into their cars (now) don’t get an opportunity to go see them live. And their dream to get up close to drivers or meet the people in the sport … that’s gone.”

Percat said attending motorsport racing in SA as a child helped spark the passion and the dream in him to become a race driver.

It has been the dream of teenager Christian Cowie, who has been attending Supercar events in SA since he was eight and is now a five-time state karting champion.

Now aged 15, he said it would be hugely disappointing to not have an SA event on the motorsport calendar.

“The implications for the growth of the sport are devastating,” Cowie, who next week is trialling in a Super 3 for Brad Jones Racing, said.

“I love the excitement of the Supercars. This is really disappointing.”

Five-time SA state champion go-karter Christian Cowie, 15, has dreams of being a race car driver, pictured at the Southern Go Kart Club. Picture KELLY BARNES

There is a spot in next year’s draft calendar from July 30-31 marked “TBC”, which could be taken up by an event at The Bend Motorsport Park. But Hazelwood said typically at that time of year, drivers escaped winter and raced in northern Australia.

Premier Steven Marshall said he was hopeful the Supercars would race at The Bend in 2022, with discussions continuing with Supercars owners to secure a race there.

Hazelwood said The Bend deserved to host a Supercars event and he was disappointed to so far not see it on the calendar.

“The Bend, rightly so, has its place in the sport and the facilities there are incredible and everything about it is spectacular, so I don’t see a reason why we shouldn’t race there,” he said.

The Bend’s owner, Sam Shahin has been contacted for comment.