SUPERCARS TO OPEN 2021 IN NSW

Supercars to open 2021 in NSW – Photo: InSyde Media

A new deal between Supercars and the New South Wales Government confirms the 2021 championship will begin in the state.

By HEATH McALPINE

As part of the announcement, funding will continue to be provided for the Bathurst 12 Hour in 2022-2025 and the Sydney SuperNight 2021-2025, while sponsorship through tourism and major events agency Destination NSW will continue for the next five years at the Bathurst 1000.

This confirms the Bathurst 12 Hour will not be held in 2021 due to the international travel restrictions put in place due to COVID-19.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres explained the continued partnership with Supercars aims to rebuild the state’s economy after the pandemic crisis experienced this year.

“We’re so proud to have secured this highly-anticipated suite of events,” said Mr Ayres. “Motorsport events across Australia and around the world drive huge attendances and broadcast viewers, so it’s a big win for NSW to continue hosting some of the country’s most exciting, high-profile Supercars events for the next five years.

“It’s also fantastic to see night racing return to Sydney Motorsport Park on the back of the NSW Government’s $33 million investment to refresh the venue.

“Whether you made it to Bathurst on the weekend for the legendary Great Race, or you’re looking forward to any of these other fantastic events including the action-packed Sydney SuperNight in Western Sydney, we are excited to welcome drivers, officials, support staff and importantly, their fans to NSW for what is set to be a thrilling number of years in NSW motorsports.”

The traditional season-ending Newcastle street race, which was not held this season due to the impacts of COVID-19 was not mentioned in the announcement.

Auto Action understands discussions between Supercars and the NSW Government relating to the 2021 schedule are still taking place ahead of a calendar being released in early November.

As revealed by autoaction.com.au last month it is likely Bathurst will kick off the 2021 Supercars season with two 250km single-driver races taking place in either late-February or early-March.

Supercars CEO appeared to confirm a Bathurst season-opener during the Supercars awards ceremony after the Bathurst 1000 when he stated: “We’ll get back here to Bathurst in February.”

This event will replace the traditional season-opener in Adelaide, which is expected to become the season finale of a suggested 12-round calendar.

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