Supercars Eyes Central Coast, Wollongong as Replacements for Newcastle 500
Supercars is actively exploring new marquee event locations in New South Wales, including the Central Coast and Wollongong, as it seeks to replace the Newcastle 500. The move comes as the championship looks to secure a prominent season opener and expand its footprint across the state.
Supercars CEO James Warburton first signaled his intention to pursue a significant new event upon his return to the role mid-year. He reiterated this commitment during his address to the Supercars community at the Gala Awards in Adelaide on Monday night, displaying a screen that highlighted the Central Coast and Wollongong as potential host cities.
“We continue to pursue a season opener for the ages and we’re working with Perth towards hopefully a 2028 outcome with a stunning opening round to our championship,” Warburton stated. “In addition, we are also working with the New South Wales Government to replace Newcastle with some options which would be extraordinary.”
The planned Perth street race has been pushed back to 2028, adding further impetus to the search for a compelling season-starting event.
The Newcastle 500, which debuted in 2017, was a key project during Warburton’s previous tenure. The event successfully ran as the season finale three times before being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It returned in 2023 as the season opener, but ultimately proved to be its last iteration.
Despite ongoing support from the NSW Government, the Newcastle 500 was effectively canceled due to opposition from a local resident group and a subsequent decision by the local council. This outcome underscores the challenges of securing long-term viability for street circuit events.
In the absence of a signature event, Sydney Motorsport Park will once again host the season-opener in 2026. The track has become the default location for Round 1, but Supercars is clearly aiming for a more high-profile start to the championship.
The search for a new marquee event demonstrates Supercars’ commitment to growth and its willingness to explore alternative locations to maximize fan engagement and economic impact. The Central Coast and Wollongong present unique opportunities, but securing the necessary approvals and community support will be crucial for success.
