New location for 2024 VAILO Adelaide 500 after-race concert stage as speedway track designs unveiled

The VAILO Adelaide 500’s after-race concert stage will be moved this year to accommodate the event’s new purpose-built speedway track.

The VAILO Adelaide 500’s after-race concert stage will be moved this year as designs for the event’s new speedway track have been unveiled.

The purpose-built track – 342m in length and 17m wide – will have capacity for about 8000 fans and be located where the post-race shows have traditionally been held, next to Bartels Road.

To accommodate the NAPA Speedway – Sprintcars in the City track, the concert stage will be moved to the back side of the pit straight grandstand, near East Tce.

A VAILO spokeswoman said local residents have been advised of the change ahead of the November 14-17 event, which will see Cold Chisel and Crowded House headline the after-race entertainment.

The temporary speedway track, complete with concrete barriers, bleacher seating and ground viewing areas, will be built two weeks prior to the event and be taken down eight days after the event. VIP hospitality areas will also be available.

It’s the first time the racing category will be held at VAILO – and the first time sprintcars have raced in the city for more than 40 years.

Artist impression of VAILO Adelaide 500 NAPA Speedway track. Picture: Supplied

James McFadden in action in the World Series Sprintcars championship. Picture: Corey Gibson Photography.

Top Australian driver James McFadden, who will compete in the November 14 and 15 event, said he can’t wait to showcase the sport in front of a massive crowd.

“I think it’s going to be the biggest stage in Sprintcar racing for Australia and a lot of talented people are going to be there and the right people are involved to get the job done right,” he said.

“Ï grew up going to the Speedway in Adelaide and I am excited to come back, it’s been a long time and I know how great the fans can be.”

The NAPA Speedway event is the first time sprintcars have been back in the city since races were held at Rowley Park, on Torrens Rd in Brompton, closed in 1979.

Since then, Adelaide Motorsport Park in Virginia played host to the category in SA until closure in 2016.

Acting VAILO Adelaide 500 chief executive Rebecca Lawson said the purpose-built track has been designed to provide the “best racing spectacle for our fans”.

“The NAPA Speedway, Sprintcars in the City, truly adds to our four days of world class motorsport and entertainment line-up where Adelaide will once again become a mecca of motorsport,” she said.

Tickets on sale now at Ticketmaster. For more information, visit adelaide500.com.au.