Secret Supercars Survey – Photo: InSyde Media
Next year’s Supercars calendar, revealed today by AUTO ACTION, is as much a result of research as coronavirus caution.
By MARK FOGARTY
While the teams have pushed for 12 events to save money, AA has learned that independent analysis has deemed 13 rounds is the optimum.
Of course, that was before COVID-19 intervened.
Still, the 2021 provisional calendar fits in the window described two years ago by an independent research group commissioned by Supercars.
The secret study determined that in the foreseeable future of an increasingly crowded Australian sports market, for Supercars 14 or more events was too many and 12 events was on the border.
The research’s sweet spot was 13 rounds, taking into account season length, media interest and fan engagement.
Supercars wanted 13 events next year to maximise the return to a ‘normal’ season, but team pressure and social conditions dictated 12.
As well as some lingering border uncertainties, allowable crowd numbers – directly applicable to event profitability – remain up in the air
The likelihood is that the further into the proposed 2021 season, the better the prospects will be for significant or even unrestricted attendances.
Supercars promotes most events and therefore assumes the financial risk.
Winton, Wanneroo, Tailem Bend and Hidden Valley run their rounds with state or territory government support.
The rest are underwritten by Supercars, also with significant state backing. Destination NSW funds all events in our most populous state, while Tourism and
Events Queensland props up the Townsville and the Gold Coast races.
The Tasmania, WA, SA and VIC events are also government supported.
The outlier is Sandown, a dual-purpose car and horse racing complex owned by equestrian institution, the Melbourne Racing Club.
Sandown doesn’t receive direct financial support from Spring Street.
It turns out that last year’s $1.5 million safety upgrade of the suburban circuit was funded by Supercars, to be paid back over the life of a multi-year agreement with MRC.
Otherwise, Supercars events are dependent on state subsidies, directly or indirectly.
For more of the latest Supercars news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.
Date posted: November 29, 2020
