The Supercars calendar is a complex beast, with contracts and negotiations that can make or break the sport. As the championship owner RACE steps into the ring for another bout of negotiations with teams, it's a good time to take a look at the state of play for each event. Here's a breakdown of the contract expirations and the potential implications for the future of Supercars.
Sydney Motorsport Park: Uncertain
The future of Sydney Motorsport Park (SMP) is uncertain, with no clear indication of whether it will remain on the calendar. The track's presence is tied to its Destination NSW deal, which focuses on driving visitation to the regions. While SMP is likely to host the season-opener under lights again next year, the Round 1 honors may shift to the incoming Perth street circuit. This could be a long-term move, as Destination NSW's priority is to establish a street circuit on the Central Coast or in Wollongong.
Albert Park: 2029
Supercars' mid-term future at Albert Park is secured until 2029, thanks to an extended arrangement with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. This is good news for the sport, as it ensures a presence at one of the most iconic circuits in the country. The deal also provides a stable platform for the sport to grow and develop in Australia.
Taupō and Ruapuna: 2028
Supercars has announced a New Zealand doubleheader at Taupō and Ruapuna, with both circuits contracted until 2028. However, competition is waiting in the wings, with Highlands flagging 'Project 29' as a bid to seize the Supercars South Island slot once Ruapuna's contract is up. This could lead to a shake-up in the calendar and a potential new destination for the sport in New Zealand.
Symmons Plains: 2027
Supercars and the Tasmanian government have a deal in place for Symmons Plains until 2027. The track is set to take over from Wanneroo Raceway as the venue with the most championship races, once the latter almost certainly drops off the calendar. This move could help to revitalize the sport in Tasmania and provide a new home for the championship.
Hidden Valley: 2030
The Northern Territory government has locked in the Darwin Triple Crown's future until 2030, with the event's first dose of night racing coming next year. This investment is a positive sign for the sport, as it showcases the potential for growth and development in regional areas. The night racing element adds a new dimension to the championship and could attract new fans and sponsors.
Townsville: 2027
The Queensland government has extended its support for the Townsville event until the end of 2027. The track is set to undergo resurfacing works, which will help to preserve its future and prevent the need for more drastic fixes down the road. This investment is a clear sign of the government's commitment to the sport and its potential to grow in the region.
Perth: Complicated
The future of Perth is complicated, with a holding pattern involving the inevitable transition from Wanneroo Raceway to a new in-town street circuit. The last public announcement of a fresh agreement with Tourism WA was made in 2023, yet Wanneroo is set to host its next Supercars event in the near future. It's expected that Wanneroo will stay on the calendar next year, with Western Australia committed to the sport given the motorsport component of the $217.5 Perth Park precinct.
Queensland Raceway: 2026
The presence of Queensland Raceway is year-to-year, with no guarantees of a continued renaissance having returned to the calendar in 2025. The track is vulnerable if Supercars were to cut an existing venue, which could be a concern given the exceptional work of Tony Quinn. The track's future is uncertain, and it will be interesting to see if it can maintain its place on the calendar.
The Bend: 2028
The Bend has been confirmed as the Bathurst curtain-raiser until at least 2028, with the track finally getting its wish for an enduro. This deal provides a stable platform for the sport to grow and develop in the region, and it will be interesting to see if the track can attract new sponsors and fans.
Mount Panorama: 2028? Forever?
Bathurst and Supercars are a perfect match, with the track's iconic status and the sport's rich history. The deal is tied to Repco's naming rights sponsorship of the Great Race, which runs until 2028. However, the Bathurst Regional Council has shown increasing urgency towards the need to resurface the track, which could impact its future.
Gold Coast: 2027
The Gold Coast event is contracted until 2027, with the track set to undergo resurfacing works. This investment is a positive sign for the sport, as it showcases the potential for growth and development in the region. The track's future is secure, and it will be interesting to see if it can attract new sponsors and fans.
Sandown: 2027?
Sandown is set to host the Sandown 500 through at least 2027, with Penrite named as the title sponsor. The track's future is looking safer, and it will be interesting to see if it can attract new sponsors and fans. The deal provides a stable platform for the sport to grow and develop in Victoria.
Adelaide: 2034
Adelaide is locked in to host the Supercars grand final until 2034, with the track set to undergo changes due to MotoGP's move to the South Australian capital. The deal provides a stable platform for the sport to grow and develop in the region, and it will be interesting to see if the track can attract new sponsors and fans. The changes to the layout will be an exciting development for the sport.
In conclusion, the Supercars calendar is a complex beast, with contracts and negotiations that can make or break the sport. The future of each event is uncertain, and it will be interesting to see how the calendar evolves over the coming years. The sport is in a good place, with a mix of established tracks and new destinations, and it will be exciting to see how it grows and develops in the future.
