Supercars still weighing up options for next month’s races in Tasmania

Supercars officials, team owners and drivers are eager to race in Tasmania this year despite the coronavirus cloud, with a return later in the year possible if next month’s event is postponed.

SUPERCARS Australia says if the Symmons Plains round of the Australian championship on April 3-5 gets cancelled it will bend over backward to bring the roaring V8s to the state later in the year.

The coronavirus scare and cancellation of the Melbourne Grand Prix round of the Supercars has thrown a cloud over the Tasmanian event, round three of the national championship.

Attracting 55,000 punters last year, the motorsport extravaganza is by far the state’s biggest sporting event and one of Tasmania’s biggest annual events, along with Agfest.

The coronavirus threat has thrown a dark cloud over Supercars racing at Tasmania’s Symmons Plains. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

A spokesman for Supercars Australia told the Mercury that officials, team owners and drivers wanted to race in Tasmania this year despite the coronavirus cloud.

However, a game-plan for the 2020 championship was still being discussed.

“While discussions are currently taking place, Supercars has not made any decisions about upcoming events,” he said.

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“We are continuing to monitor the situation and will comply with the latest government health advice as the coronavirus situation continues to evolve.

“Should we need to postpone an event, we are fully prepared to adapt our calendar to deliver a complete championship in 2020.

“The safety of our people and fans remains our priority.

“We will provide further event information when it becomes available.”

In the past two years 110,318 motor fans have flocked to watch the action on the 2.41km Symmons Plains circuit.

Spectators at Symmons Plains. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

The State Government signed a new four-year deal with Supercars Australia last year, worth $7.35 million, to keep Australia’s premier motorsport championship racing in Tasmania until 2023.

The event injects up to $10 million into the state’s economy annually.

A straight-out cancellation would be a blow to the local economy.

Ticket sales were strong for this year’s event with Holden Supercars preparing to race in Tasmania for the last time.

A Supercars official confirmed pre-sales for tickets to this year’s event were tracking ahead of previous years.