Courtney reveals bold night moves

SUPERCARS will light up Sydney Motorsport Park in its entirety after a secret test confirmed all 3.9km of the Eastern Creek track could be safely floodlit for a night race next month.

The SMP SuperNight 300 will use the full length “GP Circuit’’ in a spectacular event after Supercars lit up the track on Monday night for the surprise test.

In a successful bid to see V8 night racing make a fullyfledged return after a 22-year Australian absence, Holden star James Courtney was turned into a test pilot to put the full SMP circuit through a night exam.

The Big Bash inspired short format V8 event was due to run on a 2.8km version of the full 3.9km SMP track.

Supercars has confirmed all 11 corners of the track will be lit up for the two night event, beginning August 3.

“The full circuit will look absolutely incredible completely lit,” said a spokesman. “We have sourced enough broadcast quality lighting to do the full track which will really add to the spectacle at the track and on television.

“The test was focused on the ability to get a better reach and spread of the light, to be suitable for broadcast, drivers and officials.

“The light system not only works well for illuminating the track, but its range and throw mean braking areas, signage and the general vicinity will all be well covered.”

Courtney declared the test a success after going full throttle in a road going Holden Commodore.

“There were no dramas at all,’’ Courtney said.

“Everything went really well. I was actually surprised by how well I could see and the effectiveness of lighting.’’

Courtney said the Australian night racing return would prove popular following its 22-year hiatus.

The last Australian V8 night race was held at Calder Park, Victoria in 1996.

“Anything under lights looks better and the racing cars will look fantastic,’’ Courtney said.

The Supercars series returns next week with the Crown Bet Triple Crown in Darwin, beginning Friday.

WE HAVE SOURCED ENOUGH BROADCAST QUALITY LIGHTING TO DO THE FULL TRACK

INDUSTRY SPOKESMAN

Picture: PHIL HILLYARD Supercars driver James Courtney at Sydney Motorsport Park ahead of the night racing in August and (inset) Courtney in action for Holden.