Fans confirmed for new Sydney July event

Supercars fans have been granted a double win with the announcement of a crowd-lined Truck Assist Sydney SuperSprint this month.

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The spike in COVID-19 cases in Victoria, plus Queensland’s confirmation that its border would remain closed to people travelling or returning from Victoria, heaped doubt over the status of the scheduled Winton round on July 18-19.

On-track action in a little more than a fortnight’s time will go ahead, but now at Sydney Motorsport Park.

A 2020 return to Winton Motor Raceway is not off the table though, with the event officially postponed.

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer explained the decision was made to return to Eastern Creek for a second consecutive round following last weekend’s successful return to racing at the western Sydney precinct.

“Following discussions with all government health authorities on the new interstate restrictions, the practicable solution is to go back to Sydney Motorsport Park later this month,” Seamer said.

“Sydney Motorsport Park was a logical choice as we have a proven track record of completing a safe event there based on what we achieved last week.

“Following NSW State Government guidance, we are thrilled that we will be able to accommodate fans each day of the July event.”

Strict measures will remain in place to ensure teams remain isolated and that health protocols are again adhered to.

“All personnel at the event successfully maintained social distancing at Sydney Motorsport Park last weekend and will adhere to the same protocols for the event next month,” Seamer added.

Ticketing information will be released shortly including each day’s limit for attendance. Fans are requested to spread out to maintain physical distancing.

Paddock access will be restricted to the racing teams and officials while corporate facilities will remain closed due to COVID-19 safety protocols.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said the event – and the return of crowds – would bring a huge boost to NSW.

“The fans have been waiting for the adrenaline rush that comes when rubber hits the track and cars fly off the start line of a championship race,” Minister Ayres said.

“The NSW Government has invested in the redevelopment of Sydney Motorsport Park to ensure it remains a favourite among drivers, teams and spectators and we can’t wait to host Supercars in July.

“The NSW Government is a proud supporter of motorsport and Supercars Australia, and it’s fitting that this milestone event will take place at Sydney Motorsport Park.”

NTI Truck Assist general manager Alan Hasted said his company is proud to take on the naming rights of this historic event, having originally been slated to underpin Winton.

“Truck Assist has continued to support Supercars and our team partners through COVID because being there when you need us is at the core of what we do,” Hasted said.

“While we’re disappointed about Winton, we’re excited to be part of this historic event at Sydney Motorsport Park, and to be the naming rights partner of the Truck Assist Sydney SuperSprint.

“To be the first event to have fans trackside is great news for Supercars and Truck Assist.”

Australian Racing Drivers’ Club CEO Glenn Matthews added: “Last week’s event was fantastic proof that this venue can safely host a Supercars round and put on a great show for fans.

“It will be a great honour to have fans in the grandstand again, cheering on their favourite drivers.”

No other events on Supercars’ revised calendar have been amended at this stage, though all remain subject to change based on COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.

The Truck Assist Sydney SuperSprint will run at Sydney Motorsport Park from 18-19 July. Whether support categories, including the combined Dunlop Super2 and Super3 field, will join the SMP line-up is to be confirmed.