The series has earmarked the new Perth street race, slated for 2028, as its newest marquee season-opener.
That was expected to come at the expense of the historic Wanneroo Raceway, which has been the sole home of Supercars racing in WA throughout the series’ history.
However that may not be the case with Supercars looking into a Perth/Wanneroo double-header to open its season in 2028.
Former Supercars CEO James Warburton had floated the idea of a 10-day festival built around the Perth street race that would incorporate Wanneroo, although not in a racing capacity.
That attitude appears to have shifted, though, with interim CEO Barclay Nettlefold revealing to Speedcafe that two weekends of racing in the west is very much on the table.
“I think there’s a great opportunity to do a double-header [in Perth] and start the season with a double-header,” said Nettlefold.
“I think there’s advantages for teams; there’s a cost associated with going so far to race, so if you can do it back-to-back, they can shake down their cars a bit better.
“I’ll bring a lot of hype to the area and I think we could then create a much more powerful entertainment activation environment for the state.
“And have people stay longer. If we can increase visitations, I think that’s half the battle.”
Interestingly, the double-header plan doesn’t necessarily mean the season would open with the marquee street race, with a Wanneroo opener followed by Perth Park in Burswood possible.
When asked if the street race was the logical season opener choice, Nettlefold said: “Maybe not.
“We’ll just wait and see. It depends on timing and the schedule.”
A question mark continues to hang over the Perth street race and the $217.5 million development of Perth Park on the Burswood peninsula, which will house the parklands-style circuit.
Work has begun at the site, however the precinct remains under strict scrutiny from high-profile detractors such as state opposition leader Basil Zempilas.
Signs are positive, though, between the beginning of construction and the fact that VenuesWest is currently advertising for a ‘General Manager Perth Park Motorsports’ over a five-year fixed period.
That has given Supercars confidence that it will be able to incorporate the event into its 2028 schedule, even if it’s not been entirely formalised.
“We’re in discussions with VenuesWest,” said Nettlefold.
“We’re certainly focused on [2028] but we’re still months away in regard to concluding that.
“They’re certainly moving on the entertainment complex and I think it’s going to be a fantastic complex for the Western Australian people.”
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