Supercars holds firm on Newcastle layout

The Newcastle Herald reported yesterday that the Newcastle Council was requesting a significant change to the circuit layout, shifting part of it to Shortland Esplanade and avoiding the city’s east end.

While the council was unwilling to foot the $2 million relocation costs on its own, there was a call for the council, tourism body Destination NSW, and Supercars to share the costs and alleviate some of the local pressure pushing to make changes.

However Supercars has confirmed that there won’t be any changes made to the original layout, citing safety concerns regarding the Shortland Esplanade proposal among the reasons. The series also threw it’s support behind the council’s decision to bring forward $8.8 million worth of renewal works in the city so that they can be completed alongside the Supercars track build.

“Supercars Australia welcomes Newcastle City Council’s decision to bring forward its scheduled maintenance works to deliver with the inaugural Newcastle 500 in November,” read a statement from Supercars.

“The comprehensive upgrades will be conducted in conjunction with the Newcastle 500 civil works programme by advancing key projects and bringing significant benefits to the entire Newcastle community.

“[The] council’s commitment means the event will proceed in 2017 on the agreed circuit, delivering the city’s largest event and $57 million in projected economic benefit over the next five years.

“There are, however, serious engineering and safety concerns with the Shortland Esplanade layout.

“These are based on previous advice citing engineering concerns, insufficient timing and track safety. On this basis the Shortland Esplanade configuration may not be an option in future.

“This decision has been taken after consultation with Newcastle Council engineers and officers undertaken prior to last night’s meeting.

“We will continue to work with Newcastle Council to ensure the 2017 Newcastle 500 is a great success for the region.”

The Newcastle 500 will replace the Homebush as the Supercars season finale this season, with the inaugural race set for November 24-26.