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Supercars: ‘Can only be good’: Momentum grows for Western Australian street race

There is growing support from Supercars teams to introduce a street race in Perth from 2026 with the Wanneroo contract set to end next year.

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Supercars teams are in support of a street race in Perth if Western Australia’s race in the series is held on a street circuit in the future.

There has been talk over the past few weeks Perth could become the latest city to host a street circuit, joining Adelaide, Townsville, Albert Park and Gold Coast on the calendar as those which host those types of events.

Wanneroo Raceway held this year’s Supercars round over the weekend and has held 45 rounds in the series since 1973.

The current contract with the Western Australian government, Supercars and Wanneroo Raceway is not up until next year after signing a minimum two-year deal in 2023.

Tickford Racing co-owner Rod Nash said it would be a great opportunity to provide new life into the race in the west.

“It would be great to sort of freshen it up with a great street circuit,” he said.

“They have plenty of infrastructure in Fremantle from the old days of the America’s Cup.

The Perth street race could be similar to Melbourne’s Albert Park race. Picture: Getty Images
The Perth street race could be similar to Melbourne’s Albert Park race. Picture: Getty Images

“Obviously Supercars are working away with it but it would be good to see.”

Walkinshaw Andretti United CEO Bruce Stewart said it would open new doors to not only fans but the commercial sector of the state.

“I think the commercial support would be huge in the city, there are some big companies here, lots of mining support around up and down pit lane,” he said.

“It can only be good.

“Anytime you go to a street circuit and (get) a new crowd it is always good.”

The Western Australian government told this masthead in a statement it was open to any new opportunity in motorsport but nothing has been confirmed yet.

“The WA Government is committed to motorsports and Supercars, with the annual Perth SuperSprint holding a special place in our events calendar,” a spokesperson said.

“Our vision is for Perth and Western Australia to be the fastest growing events destination in South East Asia, so we gladly review proposals that drive visitation, create local jobs, and deliver world-class events and tourism experiences in Perth.”

Originally published as Supercars: ‘Can only be good’: Momentum grows for Western Australian street race

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/motorsport/supercars/supercars-can-only-be-good-momentum-grows-for-western-australian-street-race/news-story/65db10a1bd779ff9b9364dd2622b8b8a