Feasibility studies into the Clipsal 500 being held under lights are underway.
The Advertiser reports that Premier Jay Weatherill told a parliamentary committee that it will cost the South Australian government $15 million in the first year of hosting a night race around the famous street circuit.
The study into the cost of the lighting exercise was completed by the South Australian Motor Sports Board.
To set-up and dismantle the lights, the cost would require an initial capital investment of $12 million and annual recurring expense of $3 million.
The Premier said negotiations with the V8 Supercars administrators were ongoing, however, it is unlikely that a night race would be implemented for next year’s event – tipped to again kick off the championship in March.
The possibility of a night race was first raised by V8 Supercars chairman Tony Cochrane at this year’s race. The proposal would see a 250km Saturday night race in prime time, followed by the traditional Sunday afternoon race.
CLICK HERE for Speedcafe.com’s initial story regarding a Clipsal 500 night race from March this year.
