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MORE SUPERNIGHT EVENTS IN 2020

More SuperNight events in 2020 - Photo: LAT

By Bruce Williams

More SuperNight events in 2020 - Photo: LAT

More SuperNight events in 2020 – Photo: LAT

TWO NIGHT racing events are set to be held next year following the success of the Perth SuperNight as Supercars chases several renewals to lock in the 2020 calendar.

By MARK FOGARTY

With WA government backing, Supercars took over the running of the Barbagallo Wanneroo Raceway round, run under lights for the first time.

A new multi-year deal is being negotiated with the WA government to continue the SuperNight format, which attracted bigger crowds and healthy prime time TV audiences.

Barbagallo is set to be rejoined as a night event by Sydney Motorsport Park, which is installing permanent lighting. The $30 million NSW government-funded upgrade has ensured the return of SMP, which successfully pioneered the return of night racing to Supercars last year.

Auto Action understands that the Sydney SuperNight will return mid-season next year.

Starting the split 2020 season at SMP in January was considered, but it will now begin as usual with the Adelaide 500 in late February/early March.\

Supercars supremo Sean Seamer is still planning to have a long winter break from July-September.

Following the renewal of the Tasmania SuperSprint at Symmons Plains until 2023, Perth is next on the agenda to be secured, as well as the Winton and Phillip Island rounds and the three Queensland events.

Winton and Phillip Island are on year-to-year deals that are dependent on Victoria government support.

The Queensland government-backed Townsville, Queensland Raceway and Gold Coast events are in the final year of their existing agreements.

Supercars is in talks with Tourism and Events Queensland (TEG) for multi-year extensions for the Townsville and Surfers Paradise street race events.

The QR round is supported directly by the Ipswich Council with backing from TEQ.

According to Seamer, who is aiming the lock in the schedule for the next three years, finalisation of the 2020 calendar is still targeted for an announcement at the end of next month.

“We are still aiming for an end of June finalisation of the calendar for at least 2020,” he told AA. “A lot of work has been completed and positive conversations are ongoing.”

Supercars’ new deal with the Tasmanian government involves a $5.6 million investment over the next five years (presumably including this year to reach 2023), plus $1.75 million with Motorsports Tasmania for safety and amenity improvements at Symmons Plains Raceway.

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