Thrifty revs up Sydney 500 season opener

The new-look Sydney 500 will feature a familiar name in 2025, with car rental service Thrifty taking naming rights of next month’s Supercars season opener. 

The Thrifty Sydney 500 will see the Official Car Rental Partner of the Championship take centre stage in what is shaping up as a massive start to one of the most anticipated seasons in Supercars history. 

The Thrifty Sydney 500 will feature three days of on-track action, highlighted by a Supercars race each day, and racing into the night on Friday and Saturday. 

Saturday’s action will continue long after the chequered flag, with party on Pit Straight to feature international electronic music sensations Sunset Bros and Timmy Trumpet performing as fans are welcomed onto the track following Saturday’s Supercars race. 

The event will also see support category competition from the Dunlop Super2 Series, Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Touring Car Masters, and V8 SuperUtes. Additional on and off-track entertainment at the Thrifty Sydney 500 will be announced in the coming weeks. 

The Thrifty Sydney 500 is the first event in a groundbreaking new Supercars season, which introduces more races, innovative event formats, and the first-ever Supercars Finals. 

Following October’s Repco Bathurst 1000 the championship’s top 10 drivers will compete across the final three events of the year, with the champion to be decided on the final lap of the season in Adelaide. 

Affirming its support of the Championship, 2025 marks the third consecutive year Thrifty has served as the naming rights partner of Supercars’ season opener. 

“Thrifty is proud to continue our partnership with Supercars as the naming rights partner of the Thrifty Sydney 500,” said Eoin MacNeill, Vice President of Thrifty APAC.  

“This event is the perfect way to kick off a momentous season for the championship, and we are thrilled to be part of the action both on and off the track. The start of a new season is exciting for all of us in the sport, and we look forward to being front and centre with Supercars when the new Championship kicks off in a few weeks.”  

A 25-car Supercars grid has been confirmed for the Thrifty Sydney 500, consisting of 24 full-time entries and a wildcard entry to be driven by Camden, NSW’s Cameron Crick, driving for Matt Stone Racing in a Chevrolet Camaro. 

“We’re delighted to have Thrifty back on board as the naming rights partner of our season-opening event, the Thrifty Sydney 500,” said Jamie Black, Supercars GM, Commercial.  

“The 2025 season is shaping up to be an unforgettable chapter in Supercars history, and the Thrifty Sydney 500 a can’t-miss event on Sydney’s calendar.  

“Thrifty has been a valued and committed partner of the Championship, and we can’t wait to kick things off together at Sydney Motorsport Park, in what will be an incredible weekend on and off the racetrack.” 

The Thrifty Sydney 500 kicks off the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship February 21-23 at Sydney Motorsport Park. 

Tickets and corporate hospitality options for the Supercars season opener can be purchased via Supercars.com and Ticketek, with all tickets valid for Saturday granting access to the post-race party on Pit Straight. 

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