Drive for V8 season flip
THE Sydney SuperNight could start a night-time racing revolution should a controversial plan for a summer series season switch in 2020 be approved.
Supercars are believed to be investigating the possibility of moving the V8 season to summer — beginning in September and ending in April — in a move that would pave the way for more night racing.
At least one high-ranking V8 powerbroker is pushing for the Supercars season to be moved from winter to summer in a bid to avoid ratings clashes with both the NRL and AFL.
More night racing is also part of the plan, with events like the Perth and Tasmanian SuperSprints short-listed to follow Sydney Motorsport Park, which tonight will become the venue for the first Australian night race in 21 years.
A Supercars official said that scheduling more night racing under the current calendar was problematic with fans unlikely to attend night events in winter.
A summer calendar would allow cool-climate events, including the Tasmanian round, to be lit up in a fanfriendly event.
The summer season switch plan would also need the support of Supercar’s broadcasters Fox Sports and Ten.
It is believed broadcasters have not been consulted on a potential season switch.
It’s expected Fox Sports and Ten would strongly advise Supercars to be very cautious about pursuing a calendar overhaul following record ratings and advertising growth.
Supercars is well established in winter with a popular rhythm and a growing loyal following.
The proposal to switch to a summer series would see the V8 season begin in September with the Newcastle 500 and end in April with the Adelaide 500.
The date of the showpiece Bathurst 1000 would remain unchanged.
The new summer calendar would also require the sport to renegotiate several government deals, some of which have stipulations as to when the event must be held.
It is understood Adelaide has a contract to be the seasonopening race and Newcastle a deal to be the season-ending race.
Supercars offered no comment when approached yesterday.