The Supercars will race on the longstanding 3.93 kilometre long Grand Prix circuit rather than the extended 4.4 kilometre track, with the decision being based on that circuit being a known quantity for the teams. The traditional three day format will be brought down to two days.
The track was renamed from Eastern Creek International Raceway to Sydney Motorsport Park, on May 21 with a ceremony highlighted by the first official hot laps on the circuit’s recently completed extension by V8 Supercar driver Jonathon Webb driving a Radical Sportscar.
With $12 million spent by the government and the Australian Racing Drivers Club, (the managers of the circuit), the track has gained a modified turn six and a hairpin extension coming off between 6/7 and rejoining near turn eight.
The old official’s car park will be a new pit complex, due to the redesign allowing up to four separate configurations to be used, with two events running simultaneously.
The new name denotes the multipurpose usage of the facility, with driver training, track days, corporate drive days and more being available virtually every day of the year.
The weekend for the Supercars, will determine if it’s a once off return or a prelude to a full calendar return, with the State Government looking to cancel further funding for the Homebush street circuit once that agreement expires.
Dave Conole is anchor commentator at Sydney Motorsport Park.
