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Organisers of the Clipsal 500 have confirmed major changes for the Saturday of the 2014 event, with two separate 125km races to conclude with a twilight finish.
The move marks the first major change to the race format in the event’s 15 year history.
The 2014 format will see the first 39 lap race start at 1530 (local time) and finish just before 1700.
Crews will then have to have the cars turned around for the second race 39 lap race from 1830 and finish after 1930 as the sun sets over the Adelaide parklands circuit.
The two races will be split by a 20 lap Dunlop Series hit-out.
“With the new racing format, fans will get to see two V8 Supercar race starts, two finishes, and the drivers going flat out with valuable championship points awarded for each 125 kilometre race on Saturday afternoon and evening,” said Clipsal 500 CEO Mark Warren.
The move to a twilight Saturday race has been one of the key objectives of V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton who is pushing the benefits of having prime time Saturday viewing on the Seven Network.
“It’s appropriate that the mighty Clipsal 500 sets the tone for the 2014 season, as it has done for the last 16 years,” he said.
“The Clipsal 500 is without doubt one of this country’s most successful and remarkable entertainment events.”
Friday evening will also see twilight support action, with the V8 Utes, Touring Car Masters, Dunlop Series and Carrera Cup all set to race after 1700.
The TCM is a returnee to the support bill after a one-year absence, while the Formula 3 Australian Drivers’ Championship will also make a comeback.
The Aussie Racing Cars complete the on-track support bill, while further entertainment will be provided by a round of the Australian Tractor Pull Championships within the precinct.
Sunday’s V8 Supercars format will see qualifying, a Top 10 Shootout and the final 250 kilometre leg of the Clipsal 500 Adelaide.
After numerous overseas acts being the star attraction on the Sunday night concert stage 2014 will see Australia’s ‘King of Country’ Keith Urban headline the off track music line-up.
