While the 2021 event would have been the last of the current contract, this will not continue and the contract will not be renewed
COVID-19 was cited as a key factor in the decision, including « the inability to recover costs in the event of a pandemic »
However, the move was also attributed to a declining fanbase, after a year in which the Adelaide 500 recorded a total crowd of 206,000, the lowest since becoming a four day event in 2003
This led to suggestions to go back to three days, before the SATC, the government body that promoted the event, abandons the season opener status for 2021 due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic
Despite signing a new contract for 2022 and potentially beyond, he has now completely abandoned the Adelaide 500
SATC Chief Executive Officer Rodney Harrex said: “South Australia is one of the premier venues in the country and around the world, and we will continue to invest in a range of sporting, cultural and artistic events to stimulate the visitor economy
« Due to the high level of uncertainty around the event’s ability to take place in 2021, the likely impact on the event for the consumer and commercial market, and the long-term decline in the motorsport fan, a decision has been made that it will not be possible to organize the race next year and not to look for a contract for the coming years
« We’ve had discussions with Supercars for most of this year, working on possible scenarios. Ultimately, given the current circumstances, we are unable to deliver a sustainable and prosperous future for the event for next year and beyond
« It wasn’t an easy decision. The Superloop Adelaide 500 has been part of our events landscape since 1999
“We have a terrific world-class motor racing facility at The Bend We are very fortunate to have had a significant private investment in this circuit, and we already know that the automotive faithful are keen to support the races underway. over there »
South Australian Tourism Commission Chairman Andrew Bullock added: “We would like to thank the thousands of loyal fans, staff, officials, volunteers and suppliers who have worked on this event throughout the trip We would also like to thank all of the business and corporate partners who supported the event, including naming rights partner Superloop
« We are committed to hosting world-class events and bringing the visitor economy back to its pre-COVID record high of $ 8 1 billion »
According to the SATC announcement, funds that would have gone to the Adelaide 500 “will be reallocated to secure and support a mix of ongoing and one-off events, continuing to generate visits and economic benefits for the South Australia »
Having joined the Supercars Championship calendar in 1999, the Adelaide 500 quickly established itself as the standard season opener, a position it has held for almost two years since 2002.
It is also the only event to be inducted into the Supercar Hall of Fame in 2005
The Adelaide Parklands circuit that the touring car event used was a shortened version of the one that hosted the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix from 1985 to 1995
Next year’s Supercars Championship kicks off in New South Wales on an otherwise unconfirmed circuit, although it will most likely be the Mount Panorama
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Clipsal 500 Adelaide, Supercars Championship, 2021
News from around the world – UA – SA Tourism Commission confirms Adelaide 500 withdrawal – Speedcafe
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
