Next year’s Repco Supercars Championship will begin on the streets of Newcastle in what promises to be an action-packed start to the new season.
Scheduled for March 4-6, it marks the first time since 2019 Supercars will have competed on the traditional season ending venue, however its role will be reversed on its return.
In an exciting announcement made in partnership with Destination New South Wales and the Newcastle City Council, Supercars CEO Sean Seamer was delighted to reveal the event’s return to the calendar after two years absence.
Supercars, Destination New South Wales and Newcastle City Council have confirmed the 2022 season will commence on the streets of Newcastle.
“We’re thrilled to have locked in our 2022 championship opener as a return to the stunning Newcastle Street Circuit,” Seamer said.
“The spectacular shots of Supercars racing on the CBD street circuit while ships sail in the background have become images that are embedded in the minds of tens of millions of motor racing fans around the world.
“Newcastle has established itself as one of the most popular stops on the Supercars calendar with both fans and drivers and we look forward to seeing as many familiar faces as possible trackside in March.”
Just the 17th different circuit to open an Australian touring car season, Newcastle debuted as Supercars’ concluding round in 2017 where Jamie Whincup sealed his record-extending seventh title in dramatic circumstances. In the process, it denied Scott McLaughlin his maiden Supercars title.
McLaughlin responded to take the next three Supercars titles, two of which were celebrated in Newcastle.
“We’re excited to host the 2022 season opener in Newcastle, reconnecting event goers with the stunning Newcastle coastline and the high-octane action on track, while ensuring local businesses benefit from the economic boost that comes with staging this major event,” NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said.
“No city anywhere in Australia offers what Newcastle does in terms of providing stunning aerial pictures of some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.”
City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the confirmation of the event date provides certainty to local residents and businesses.
“Newcastle and the Hunter enjoy a huge racing supporter base and I’m confident they will love the promotion to the season opener and will continue to pour into the city for the three days in massive numbers,” Nelmes said.
“This is a welcome announcement for our residents and businesses which confirms that the Christmas/January holidays will be unaffected by work on the circuit.
“This timing ensures residents will have no issue accessing our pristine beaches over the summer holidays.
“Businesses can now prepare for the busy period of trading over the summer holidays through February into the Newcastle 500 in early March, which is ideal.”
Newcastle is the sole event to be announced for the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship so far, with further details to be revealed in due course.
Supercars recently announced a run of four events at Sydney Motorsport Park starting on October 29-31.
Ticketing, broadcast details, support categories and entertainment for Newcastle will be announced soon.