\nThe flagship event was rescheduled from the final event of the season to the first race of the 2022 season, following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
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![\"Newcastle-500.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/newcastle.nsw.gov.au\/getattachment\/Council\/News\/Latest-News\/Newcastle-500-to-return-as-Supercars-season-opener\/Newcastle-500.jpg\" "\\"Newcastle-500.jpg\\"")
\nNewcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the confirmation of the event date provides certainty to local residents and businesses and is a welcome boost to the economy and racing fans’ spirits following prolonged COVID-19 restrictions.
\n\u201cNewcastle and the Hunter enjoy a huge racing supporter base and I\u2019m confident they will love to attend the season opener,” Cr Nelmes said.
\n\u201cThis is a welcome announcement for our residents and businesses which confirms that the Christmas and January holidays will be unaffected by the track set-up.
\n\u201cNewcastle’s beaches will remain accessible to the public during the track installation period in February through the usual road connections, and during the three-day event by following Bathers Way from King Edward Park.
\n\u201cBusinesses can also now prepare for the post lockdown busy trading period over the summer and hopefully enjoy the extra visitation and economic benefit that Supercars brings.
\n\u201cEvent organisers will work with NSW Health to deliver a robust COVID-safe event that adheres to Public Health Orders to ensure the safety of our community.”
\nThe five-year agreement to host the Newcastle 500 concludes with the 2022 event, which was discussed at last night\u2019s Ordinary Council Meeting.
\nCity of Newcastle will undertake a full analysis of the event, including economic benefits to the region and impacts on residents.
\nA report will come back to the elected council to determine any extension beyond 2022.
\nLike with previous events access to the beach and facilities will remain open both during a shorter bump-in and during the event. Council\u2019s expectation is that the event organisers will minimise disruptions to residents and beachgoers in the lead up to the event.
\nCity of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath said talks are ongoing with Destination NSW and Supercars Australia regarding the future of the event in Newcastle.
\n\u201cWe look forward to reviewing the outcomes of the new time slot and Newcastle being host of the first race of the season,\u201d Mr Bath said.
\n\u201cNewcastle has cemented its rightful place as a premier events destination and we have our eyes set on an event-led economic recovery, with an impressive line-up of potential major events being planned for 2022.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"