SUPERCARS CONFIRM SMP, NIGHT RACING AND CROWD RETURN

Supercars will return to SMP later this month under lights –  Photo: Insyde Media

Round 4 of the Supercars Championship will take place in front of fans and under lights at Sydney Motorsport Park on July 18-19 after confirmation that Winton has been postponed.

By HEATH McALPINE

It comes after the Queensland Government’s recent announcement imposing a compulsory 14-day hotel quarantine on any person, who has been to Victoria.

This new measure effects three Supercars teams, Triple Eight Race Engineering, DJR Team Penske and Matt Stone Racing.

Another round at SMP proved the most practical way to go forward Supercars CEO Sean Seamer explained.

“Following discussions with all government health authorities on the new interstate restrictions, the practicable solution is to go back to Sydney Motorsport Park later this month,” Seamer said.

“Sydney Motorsport Park was a logical choice as we have a proven track record of completing a safe event there based on what we achieved last week.”

Seamer on Tuesday confirmed that Round 5 at Darwin will accommodate 4500 spectators, however SMP’s second round will be the first to feature fans. However, a crowd figure that each day will be limited to wasn’t revealed.

“Following NSW State Government guidance, we are thrilled that we will be able to accommodate fans each day of the July event,” he added.

Night racing will also occur at the event, with a race scheduled to take place on Saturday night utilising the circuit’s North (Druitt) configuration. A further two sprint races will be conducted on Sunday.

Strict team isolation measures will continue to be practiced to the same standards as last weekend’s event.

“All personnel at the event successfully maintained social distancing at Sydney Motorsport Park last weekend and will adhere to the same protocols for the event next month,” said Seamer.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres highlighted the importance of the event to the area.

“The fans have been waiting for the adrenaline rush that comes when rubber hits the track and cars fly off the start line of a Championship race,” Minister Ayres said.

“The NSW Government has invested in the redevelopment of Sydney Motorsport Park to ensure it remains a favourite among drivers, teams and spectators and we can’t wait to host Supercars in July.

“The NSW Government is a proud supporter of motorsport and Supercars Australia, and it’s fitting that this milestone event will take place at Sydney Motorsport Park.”

Australian Racing Drivers Club CEO Glenn Matthews highlighted last weekend’s successful event as proof the venue can hold motor sport events and is excited that crowds will return trackside.

“Last week’s event was fantastic proof that this venue can safely host a Supercars round and put on a great show for fans,” Matthews said.

“It will be a great honour to have fans in the grandstand again, cheering on their favourite drivers.”

Auto Action believes Super2, Super3 and the Toyota 86 Racing Series will support the Supercars at SMP after previously being announced with Porsche Carrera Cup Australia as part of the schedule at Winton. Carrera Cup, however will switch its round to Tasmania.

Winton is the sole event that has been amended in the recently released Supercars calendar, though all events remain subject to change based on COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.

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