Newcastle is set to host the Repco Supercars Championship season opener on the weekend of March 4, 2022.

Newcastle provides a stunning backdrop to the Supercars action. Photo supplied.

The event will mark the Supercars return to Newcastle for the first time since the 2019 season finale.

Newcastle was dropped from the 2020 schedule due to the pandemic but has scored the season-opening slot for 2022.

The event is also the only event of the 2022 season to have a confirmed date. Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this would provide residents and businesses with some certainty.

“Newcastle and the Hunter enjoy a huge racing supporter base, and I’m confident they will love the promotion to the season opener and will continue to pour into the city for the three days in massive numbers,” Cr Nelmes said.

“This is a welcome announcement for our residents and businesses, which confirms that the Christmas and January holidays will be unaffected by work on the circuit.  

Crowds will once again gather in Newcastle’s East End and Foreshore to watch the Supercars in March 2022. Photo supplied.

“Businesses can now prepare for the busy period of trading over the summer holidays through to February, with another boost in the first week of March when more than 150,000 racing fans flood the East End and Foreshore.”  

The five-year agreement to host the Newcastle 500 concludes with the 2022 event, which was discussed at last night’s Ordinary Council Meeting. 

City of Newcastle will undertake a full analysis of the event, including economic benefits to the region and impacts on residents.  

A report will come back to the elected council to determine any extension beyond 2022.  

Event organisers are working closely with health authorities to ensure a COVID-safe event. They are following all Public Health Order requirements to ensure the safety of all staff and patrons attending the event.

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said he was thrilled to lock in Newcastle as the 2022 championship opener.

“The spectacular shots of Supercars racing on the CBD street circuit have become images that are embedded into the minds of tens of millions of motor racing fans around the world.

“Newcastle has established itself as one of the most popular stops on the Supercars calendar with both fans and drivers, and we look forward to seeing as many familiar faces as possible trackside in March.”

For more information on ticketing, broadcast details, support categories and entertainment for the event, visit the Supercars website.

Newcastle will be gearing up to host the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship opener. Photo supplied.

Information source: Media release, Repco Supercars Championship