Supercars confirm permanent night fixture for Sydney from 2018
SUPERCARS will light up Sydney next year when night racing at Eastern Creek becomes a permanent fixture on the V8 calendar.
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SUPERCARS will light up Sydney next year when night racing at Eastern Creek becomes a permanent fixture on the V8 calendar.
In the countdown to this weekend’s Bathurst 1000, Supercars will on Wednesday announce a 300km Saturday night stand-alone race under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park from 2018.
In a V8 revolution billed as Supercars’ version of Twenty20 cricket, the Red Rooster Sydney SuperNight 300 will be run on August 4 and aimed at attracting a wider audience when drivers hit the track for just three hours of high-intensity racing.
“We’ve made no secret we wanted to stage a night race next year,’’ Supercars CEO James Warburton said.
“And I am delighted to say it is now a reality that we will hold this race under lights in Sydney.’’
Ford’s Fabian Coulthard and Nissan’s Simona De Silvestro underwent successful night testing at Sydney Motorsport Park earlier this year, flying around the 3.93km circuit with sections of the track lit up with temporary floodlights.
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Sydney Motorsport Park chief executive Glenn Matthews said he had discussed installing permanent lighting with the NSW Government.
“Sydney Motorsport Park is already open 360 days of the year,’’ Matthews said.
“And the introduction of circuit lighting and extended operating hours would introduce a whole new level of access for all motorsport and automotive enthusiasts, from after-work racing and spectating, endurance racing, driver and rider safety programs, corporate hospitality, job creation, education, exhibitions, and much more.
“The Red Rooster Sydney SuperNight 300 is the first exciting step towards making this as a reality.”
The night racing revolution will headline a new season that will also include two new championship events.
The Australian Grand Prix will be given championship status in 2018 while a new event South Australian race was confirmed yesterday.
In a 37-week season that will begin in Adelaide and end in Newcastle, Supercars will race for the first time at a purpose-built $100 million circuit at South Australia’s Tailem Bend.
“We have added two new feature events in the Australian Grand Prix and Tailem Bend while improving our continuity and momentum through the season,” Warburton said.
“Competing for Championship points for the first time at the Australian Grand Prix has been a long-term goal for our sport and we are honoured to be able to do so on such an international stage.
“Tailem Bend will be a premier motor racing circuit in Australasia and one we are delighted to be making our debut at in August as part of an initial a four-year deal.”
South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill announced the Tailem Bend event yesterday ahead of today’s official release of the calendar.
“For Supercars to commit to another race in South Australia, demonstrates massive confidence in our State and our ability to successfully pull off big ticket events,” Premier Weatherill said.
“This is more than a race, it’s about tourism, jobs and delivering a vibrant SA. That’s why we are heavily invested in The Bend Motorsport Park, on top of our super tourism budget.
“We want to grow South Australia, so we’re making sure we have the right infrastructure in place.”