Australia-based Supercars Championship and the New South Wales government have agreed a one-year contract extension for the Newcastle 500.
Confirmed:
- Doubts arose over the future of the event after contract expired this season
- NSW government working towards a five-year extension for the race
- The Minns Labor government has provided funding to host the event in Newcastle in 2024
Context:
The 2023 Newcastle 500 produced the largest three-day crowd for the event since it began in 2017, but local support has been shaky. A KPMG report published in August 2023 found that only 37 per cent of residents would support the continuation of the event.
Comment:
A Supercars statement read: ‘Supercars and Destination NSW are aligned in their shared commitment to host the opening event of 2024 in Newcastle. Discussions are ongoing with Newcastle City Council and we continue to work collaboratively to find a resolution swiftly regarding the long-term future of the event in NSW’s second largest city.’
Coming next:
Thanks to this agreement, the Newcastle 500 will open the 2024 season, although it is unclear when the season will commence. The race could once again be on the support grid for Formula One’s Australian Grand Prix, which takes place from 22nd to 24th March. Supercars’ return to New Zealand is the only race with a confirmed date for next season so far.