First permanent light tower installed at SMSP

Work has begun on transforming Sydney Motorsport Park into Australia’s first permanent motorsport facility with the year-round ability to operate at both day and night.

WATCH: HOW SPECTACULAR FIRST SYDNEY SUPERNIGHT PLAYED OUT 

The first of 132 light towers was installed this morning, craned in and installed in front of representatives from Supercars, the NSW Government and the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club.

The western Sydney venue hosted a trailblazing Supercars night race in 2018; after a one-year hiatus, it returned to the 2020 calendar, currently scheduled for August 28-30.

Just under half of the $33 million Government initiatives committed to Sydney Motorsport Park will be spent on the permanent lights, which involves 864 individual light fittings and has created and maintained more than 100 jobs through the COVID-19 period.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro was pleased to see his Government’s strategic investment in the facility come to fruition.

“It’s a new era of racing and the 2020 lighting project at the Western Sydney Motorsport precinct couldn’t have come at a better time,” he said.

“We know that COVID-19 is taking its toll on this state, and racing can be a real morale boost for those isolating at home, so it will be fantastic when motor racing gets back on track.”

ARDC president Andrew Leithhead outlined the plan to develop “a western Sydney hub for technology innovation and education”.

“This lighting project will enable Sydney Motorsport Park to become a 24/7 home for a broad spectrum of stakeholders in motorsport, driver training, tourism, entertainment and manufacturing in the heart of Australia’s fastest growing urban area,” he said.

ARDC chief executive Glenn Matthews added: “Sydney Motorsport Park is one of the busiest tracks not just in Australia, but in the world.

“Lighting allows us to fit even more events into our calendar; not only enabling motorsport fans and enthusiasts, competitors and manufacturers more access to our world-class facility, but also opening doors for substantial opportunities to further grow the western Sydney night economy.”

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer declared the introduction of permanent lighting at the circuit offered significant opportunities for the future of motorsport in Australia.

“Seeing this project come to life is fantastic for Supercars and our fans across the state,” he said.

“To be able to race at night under permanent lights here at SMSP is something we’ve been working towards for a long time.

“We look forward to getting on track as soon as possible.”

More information on a revised 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship calendar is expected to be delivered by mid-May.