SUPERCARS TO RACE IN NEWCASTLE FOR FIRST TIME

Tens of thousands of motorsport fans will descend on the NSW coastal city of Newcastle in November next year, with the city confirmed as the new location for the Virgin Australia Supercars season finale.

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Supercars Australia Chief Executive James Warburton were in Newcastle to make the announcement this week.

“The Hunter has thousands of Supercars fans who now have an event to call their own,” Mr Baird said.

“The Coates Hire Newcastle 500 will be the first Supercars race ever held in Newcastle and is another major event secured for Regional NSW.

“The race is expected to inject more than $57 million to the Hunter region over the next five years, and attract 81,000 domestic and international visitors.”

Supercars Chief Executive James Warburton welcomed the announcement and said it was an exciting moment for Supercars and the people of Newcastle.

“The Coates Hire Newcastle 500 will be a spectacular event that will showcase Newcastle to a huge national and international audience and be a fitting finale to the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

“I want to thank Premier Baird, Minister Ayres, Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase, Newcastle City Council and Coates Hire for their support to help create what will be an unforgettable event for Newcastle.”

The Championship has been secured by Destination NSW in partnership with Supercars Australia and Newcastle City Council. The picturesque course takes in some of the city’s best landmarks, including Nobby’s Beach and Fort Scratchley and will take place in November 2017.

The Coates Hire Sydney 500 will be staged for the last time at Sydney Olympic Park from Friday 2 December to Sunday 4 December 2016.