Newcastle street circuit build begins

The track build for Supercars' much anticipated return to Newcastle has begun today, 37 days out from the opening event of the new era of racing.

Temporary construction work associated with the Thrifty Newcastle 500 began on Wednesday morning.

The event is Supercars' first in Newcastle since 2019 and the inaugural event to feature the new-look Gen3 vehicles, the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang.

The build of the 2.6km track will be completed in time for the Thrifty Newcastle 500, which runs March 10-12 on the streets of NSW's second largest city.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin and Tickord Racing rookie Declan Fraser were on hand for today’s media call on the site of the circuit.

Work will be carried out at number of areas located around the track layout, which is being overseen by Newcastle City Council and track constructors iEDM.

Among the activities taking place this week include: Establishment of contractor compounds, commencing the build of the pit building, installation of temporary security fencing, surveying and pegging out works, utilities locations, preparation for future traffic management protocols.

Traffic control measures will be in place. Weekly build notices outlining road closures and traffic management can be found at www.Supercars.com/Newcastle/community.

“It's very exciting, today really kicks off day one of the Thrifty Newcastle 500, with the event build starting to take place now,” Supercars CEO Shane Howard said.

“It’s going to be a big lead-up to what is hopefully the biggest Supercars event that we have seen in Newcastle.

“For the next six weeks you will see the Newcastle CBD precinct start to change; we’ve got over six kilometres of concrete barriers going in, it’s going to be an ever-changing landscape.

“After a three-year hiatus due to COVID, just to bring it back and make it bigger and better than ever is what we are looking forward to.

“We have almost sold out the corporate facilities, and grandstand tickets are getting very close to being sold out as well. I would advise everybody who wants to attend the event, to get their tickets now.”

Fans will be treated to two huge nights of entertainment on Foreshore Park with a record number of artists forming the lineup for the 2023 Thrifty Newcastle 500.

ICEHOUSE will headline the opening night of entertainment on Friday 10 March, supported by enigmatic Noiseworks frontman Jon Stevens and The Screaming Jets.

Aussie hip hop royalty HILLTOP HOODS will headline the Saturday night concert supported by some of the best young acts in the country, Thelma Plum, San Cisco, Newcastle’s Trophy Eyes and Trials.

Information for residents and local business owners is available on Supercars.com regarding all build works linked to the Thrifty Newcastle 500.

Public Transport is the best way to get to and from the Thrifty Newcastle 500 with extra train, bus, ferry and light rail services scheduled to help fans get to and from the concert.

The Thrifty Newcastle 500 is proudly supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

Tickets are now available through Supercars.com and Ticketek.