Reborn Adelaide 500 smashes records

The return of the Adelaide 500 Supercars street race in 2022 was the biggest ever in the event’s proud history.

The 2022 race generated a record $51.85 million boost to the South Australian economy, which has been described as an “incredible success” by SA Premier Peter Malinauskas.

The previous record was set in 2019 when $45 million was pumped back into the economy after Scott McLaughlin’s cleans-sweep.

Last year’s season finale strongly outperformed the previous Adelaide 500 held in 2020 on a number of key metrics.

The economic impact increased by 34.3%, while there was also a much larger crowd flocking to Victoria Park, with 51,850 more people attending.

More than 12,000 of those traveled from interstate, while an estimated 96,671 visitor nights were produced from the event.

The number of jobs supported (20.1%) media items (82.9%) and PR value (73.2%) also heavily increased.

In addition to the impressive statistics, the racing was unforgettable with Chaz Mostert leading home a Walkinshaw Andretti United 1-2 and Broc Feeney scoring a tense maiden win in Holden’s last race.

Having arrived with a bang in 1999, the Adelaide 500 instantly became one of the highlights of the Supercars season, attracting huge crowds and producing unforgettable action at the gruelling street circuit, which previously hosted Formula 1.

But its momentum was suddenly cut short after being cancelled by previous state Premier Steven Marshall following the 2020 race.

Then opposition leader Malinauskas promised the Supercars Hall of Fame event would return if Labor was victorious in the state election and followed through with his commitment once in power.

The event was reborn in the new December time slot, having traditionally been held around early March and the numbers proved the Adelaide 500 was back, firing on all cylinders upon return.

“The VALO Adelaide 500 was a resounding success on-track and now we know it was an incredible success off-track too,” Malinauskas said.

“Our tourism and hospitality businesses have done it hard over the past few years and these numbers reveal the return of a big event like the VALO Adelaide 500 gave local businesses a much-needed boost.

“Pubs and restaurants were packed, hotel rooms were full and more than $50 million was returned to the South Australian economy.

“I am incredibly proud we were able to deliver on our promise to bring back the VALO Adelaide 500 and make it bigger and better than ever.”

Work for the 2023 Adelaide 500 which will once again conclude the Supercars Championship on November 23-26 is already underway.

Adelaide 500 chief executive Mark Warren confirmed the progress, with star singer Robbie Williams on board to entertain the crowd as the headline act of the after-race concert.

“I am so proud of our team who worked so hard to bring back the VALO Adelaide 500 and deliver a memorable event,” he said.

“We are already working hard to go one better in 2023 and deliver another outstanding event for South Australia, with global sensation Robbie Williams confirmed to headline the after-race concert.

“The VALO Adelaide 500 showcases world-class motorsport, and we look forward to ushering in a new era in 2023 as we welcome Supercars Gen3 to the Adelaide Street Circuit.”

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