Clipsal back to 250 on Saturday

The Clipsal 500 Adelaide will return to its original two-race format next year, creating a more competitive and adrenalin-filled environment for drivers and motorsport fans.

The Saturday Supercars race will feature one 250km race – a shift that will encourage strategy-led fuel stops, tyre changes and much greater competition.

The move returns the event to its historical race format, after the Saturday program was split three years ago, to incorporate two 125km quick-form races.

Supercars 2010 champion and a 2016 Clipsal 500 race winner James Courtney is pleased to see the event revert to the challenging format.

“The decision to return to the DNA of the Clipsal 500 Adelaide event is a fantastic one that all teams and drivers will be excited by,” Courtney said.

“The two 250km race format means drivers and event fans will once again get to see the race in its strongest and most energised form.

“The decision by the Clipsal 500 Adelaide team to bring back two 250km races is exciting. It creates much more anticipation and adds a real thrill to the race.

“This format encourages drivers to be far more competitive and will bring a real energy to the streets of Adelaide in 2017.”

Minister for Tourism Leon Bignell made the announcement on the coverage at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 today. The SA government is sponsoring Adelaide-born Nick Percat this weekend to help build hype for the 2017 season start.

“Motorsport fans are in for a big treat both on and off the track in 2017,” Bignell said.

“The return of the original racing format, the Hunters and Collectors rocking the Saturday night concert and top driver Simona De Silvestro joining the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship as the first full-time female driver are sure to get fans revved up.

“Last year more than 230,000 people attended the event, with a massive TV audience on top of this watching on as Adelaide local Nick Percat became the Clipsal 500 Adelaide champion.

“Nick will today take to Mount Panorama in the Bathurst 1000 in his State-branded Supercar, providing a tantalising glimpse of what's to come in the best Clipsal 500 Adelaide yet.”