Adelaide 500 motorsport event back on the racing calendar after Labor election victory

The Adelaide 500 is set to return to the city streets in December to close out the 2022 Supercars season following Labor’s state election victory.

The V8 Supercars are set to return to the streets of Adelaide this December following the Labor Party’s comprehensive win in the state election.

Premier-elect Peter Malinauskas pledged the Adelaide 500 event would return should the party form government.

The event has been mooted for December 1 to 4, which would make it the final event of the 2022 Supercars Championship season.

Action from the Adelaide 500 in 2020. Picture: AAP Image

“We congratulate Peter Malinauskas and his team on their victory in the South Australian election,” Supercars chief executive Shane Howard said.

“We now look forward to working together to deliver the Adelaide 500 on the streets of Adelaide in December in what will be a spectacular season finale.”

The Adelaide 500 was first held in 1999, but was axed by the Liberal Government in November 2020 after years of declining crowds and increased costs.

Supercars drivers Todd Hazelwood, Nick Percat and Scott Pye. Picture: Emma Brasier

The decision that was subject to backlash from motorsport enthusiasts.

Just a week after Mr Marshall announced the event’s cancellation, Mr Malinauskas launched his own campaign for its return.

“We are bringing it back if Labor wins, bringing back the Adelaide 500 to the streets of our city.,” he said.

Doubling down on his commitment at a Supercars launch event during the campaign, Mr Malinauskas said hosting the event typically cost between $10m and $15m.

“That money, thankfully, is already sitting there in the budget,” Mr Malinauskas said.

Peter Malinauskas holds a poster as driver Todd Hazelwood signs it as Nick Percat and Scott Pye look on. Picture: Emma Brasier

Supporters for the race’s revival includes music stars Jimmy Barnes, Killing Heidi lead singer Ella Hooper, Vince Contarino of the Zep Boys and vocalist The Screaming Jets Dave Gleeson.

“Everyone’s starved of entertainment after the last couple of years, so it’d be great to see the Adelaide 500 back in the streets of my old hometown,’’ Barnes said.

The drivers themselves have also lobbied for its return.

Brad Jones Racing owner Brad Jones said the Adelaide 500 would again become the most significant event of the season.

“Supercars back on the streets of Adelaide again this year would be a clear highlight of the season,’’ he said.