The running date and circuit layout for the inaugural Newcastle 500 round of the Australian Supercars Championship has been confirmed by series officials.
The maiden running of the event, which replaces Sydney’s Olympic Park round as the season’s curtain-closer next year, will take place on the weekend of November 24-26.
The waterfront street circuit’s layout has been revised to 2.6 kilometres in length, with the updated configuration shorter and theoretically faster in average speeds than the original concept layout that was revealed when the event was first announced.
The anticlockwise circuit will run through a portion of Newcastle’s central business district, while also passing local highlights that include Nobby’s Beach, the Harbour Foreshore and Fort Scratchley.
The Newcastle 500 street circuit layout has been slightly revised to a shorter and faster 2.6-kilometre configuration.
“This is a world-class circuit that will make for exciting racing for the people of Newcastle,” Supercars CEO James Warburton said.
“We can’t wait to come to Newcastle and deliver great entertainment on and off the track and showcase the city to the rest of Australia and the world.”
City officials have committed to work with local residents and businesses to minimise potential disruptions to those affected by the location of the circuit.
“Supercars has adjusted the design of the circuit to minimise disruption while still capturing everything that is spectacular about Newcastle including its famous coastline,” added Newcastle’s Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.
“We know locals are excited about Supercars coming to Newcastle and we want to ensure this event is an outstanding success.
“With the date and track now locked in we can look forward to planning the next 11 months before the Supercars take to the streets showcasing Newcastle on a global stage.”
| 2017 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship Season Calendar | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Event | Location | Format | |
| 02-05 Mar |  |
Clipsal 500 Adelaide | Adelaide street circuit, SA | SuperStreet |
| 23-26 Mar | |
Australian Grand Prix | Albert Park Circuit, VIC | Int’l SuperSprint |
| 07-09 Apr | |
Tyrepower Tasmania SuperSprint | Symmons Plains Raceway, TAS | SuperSprint |
| 21-23 Apr | |
WD-40 Phillip Island SuperSprint | Phillip Island Circuit, VIC | SuperSprint |
| 05-07 May | |
Perth SuperSprint | Barbagallo Raceway, WA | SuperSprint |
| 19-21 May | |
Winton SuperSprint | Winton Raceway, VIC | SuperSprint |
| 16-18 Jun | |
CrownBet Darwin Triple Crown | Hidden Valley Raceway, NT | SuperSprint |
| 07-09 Jul | |
Townsville 400 | Townsville street circuit, QLD | SuperStreet |
| 28-30 Jul | |
Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint | Queensland Raceway, QLD | SuperSprint |
| 18-20 Aug | |
Red Rooster Sydney SuperSprint | Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW | SuperSprint |
| 15-17 Sep | |
Wilson Security Sandown 500 | Sandown Raceway, VIC | Enduro Cup |
| 05-08 Oct | |
SuperCheap Auto Bathurst 1000 | Mount Panorama, NSW | Enduro Cup |
| 20-22 Oct | |
Gold Coast 600 | Surfers Paradise, QLD | Enduro Cup |
| 03-05 Nov |  |
ITM Auckland SuperSprint | Pukekohe Park, NZL | SuperSprint |
| 24-26 Nov | |
Coates Hire Newcastle 500 | Newcastle street circuit, NSW | SuperStreet |
Images via Australian Supercars Championship and Destination NSW
Geoff Burke
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