Tasmania’s biggest sporting event safe…for now.
The state government signed a four-year, $7.35m deal in 2019 to keep Supercars racing in Tasmania until 2023, but the coronavirus pandemic cost Tasmania its round of the series in 2020 and the $10m economic boost that comes with it.
Supercars Australia and Sports Minister Nic Street brokered a deal for a one-year extension, stretching the deal into 2024 to make up for the Covid cancellation.
Supercars boss Shane Howard confirmed he had already pencilled Tassie in for a spot on next year’s calendar following a spectacular debut of the Gen3 cars at Symmons Plains and a 30,000-strong crowd at the weekend.
Brodie Kostecki and Will Brown claim an Erebus lock-out on the front row at Symmons Plains. Picture James Bresnehan.
Howard said talks on a new deal were also under way.
“We are in the process of putting the jigsaw together for our calendar next year and the best thing is Tassie is on that calendar as a round of the championship,” he said.
“That’s a pretty special thing for Tasmania.
“We absolutely want to remain in Tassie.
New CEO of Supercars Australia, Shane Howard. Event 2 of the Repco Supercars Championship, Symmons Plains Raceway, Tasmania Australia. 26 March 2021
“We pride ourselves as being a truly national sport and Tasmania is very important to us.
“We’ve got a great fan base here, as we could see from the number of fans who turned out this year. There is a great motor-racing culture in Tassie and great motor-racing history.
“So we absolutely want to stay in Tassie and we’ve always had good support from the government, good support from the public.”
The crowd on the hill to watch the supercars at Symmons Plains. Picture James Bresnehan.
A new supercar deal is in the works, with Howard “in conversation with the government”.
“We deliver really strong economic deliverables for Tasmania and it’s a good return on investment for the state,” Howard said.
“The government recognises that, and that’s why they have always supported us really strongly.”
The Tasmanian event is usually held in early April but this year it was given a May date for the 50th anniversary round and debut of the Mustang and Camaro Supercars.
The days were pleasant at Symmons Plains Raceway but cool mornings and evenings had the large interstate continent feeling the chill.
“What better way to celebrate the 50th time the series has been here and the cars have really reverberated with the fans,” Howard said.
Broc Feeney’s Red Bull Camaro ready for battle at Symmons Plans. Picture James Bresnehan.
“They look beautiful, they sound great and they were pretty spectacular round around Symmons.
“This year’s round is about seven weeks later than we usually are, and in setting the calendar there’s always a bit of juggling.
“It depends on when dates for other events fall, but the best thing is we’ll be back in Tassie next year.”
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