ADELAIDE 500 RETURN PENCILLED IN FOR 2022

A date has been set. The Adelaide 500 will conclude the 2022 Supercars Championship if Labor wins next month’s South Australian election.

It has been confirmed by both the SA opposition government and Supercars Championship organisers that the return of the Adelaide 500 has been pencilled in for December 1-4, giving the government time to construct the stands and pit lane infrastructure if elected.

When Peter Malinauskas signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU), confirming his intentions to bring back the Supercars Hall of Fame event back in November 2020 it was assumed that this would be in 2023.

However, in recent weeks it appeared that the 500 may return sooner than expected and this possibility has been confirmed.

Although great news, Labor still has to win the SA election which is being tipped as an incredibly close battle.

“When Steven Marshall axed the Adelaide 500, I pledged Labor would bring it back if elected,” recalled Malinauskas.

“Today’s announcement shows that pledge will be delivered this year.

“If Labor wins next month’s State Election, we will see Supercars returning to the streets of Adelaide before the end of the year.”

Malinauskas has said that the event would be a huge boost to Adelaide’s economy, hotels, restaurants, and broader hospitality sector.

“The return of the Adelaide 500 would deliver a much-needed boost to CBD hotels, cafes, restaurants, bars and the city economy more broadly.

“The return of the Adelaide 500 is a key plank of my plan for the future of major events in South Australia.”

Supercars newly chosen CEO Shane Howard is similarly excited and is hoping to see the event return in December.

“We have made no secret that we would love to be back racing on the streets of Adelaide,” said Howard.

“The Adelaide 500 has played such an important part in making Supercars what it is today, and we are excited about bringing the event back for our fans.”

It has been stated that in 2019, the Adelaide 500 injected $45.9 million into SA’s economy, supported 435 full-time jobs and attracted 15,200 interstate and overseas visitors.

Former Adelaide 500 winner and proud South Australian Nick Percat is happy to hear the news.

“This event is the reason so many of us began racing, there is simply nothing like the Adelaide 500,” Percat said.

“Everyone is passionate about the event and wants it back on the calendar.

“It’s pretty amazing to see how much South Australian fans have got behind the event and I hope we are back here racing in December.”

Former driver and current Supercars team Owner and Principal Brad Jones believes that the return of the Adelaide 500 at the end of the year would be the season highlight if it comes to fruition.

“Supercars back on the streets of Adelaide again this year would be a clear highlight of the season,” Jones expressed.

“Adelaide provides a very demanding circuit, huge crowds, and non-stop entertainment for the fans.

“As a driver I loved racing there, the fans are so engaging. It’s such a great spectacle and solely missed from our current calendar.

“As a team owner it’s among the best of the best and with the right team behind it again it will be a brilliant end to the season.”