![thumb Will Davison on his way to victory in the 2012 Clipsal 500](https://speedcafe.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/clipsal-344x224.jpg)
V8 Supercars chairman Tony Cochrane has quashed a proposal to move the Clipsal 500 forward to February next year, saying that the race would be cancelled if such a change was enforced by the South Australian government.
Cochrane’s comments follow the release of a government review into the state’s cluster of festivals and events that occur in March each year.
It is recommended by the review that the Clipsal 500, which was held on the March 1-4 weekend this year, be moved to February 21-24 for 2013.
The review was prompted by a clash during this year’s event which saw noise from the Carrera Cup’s Friday evening race drown out a portion of the Adelaide Festival’s gala opening, which was being attended by state premier Jay Weatherill.
According to local paper The Advertiser, Cochrane responded to suggestions of an earlier date by saying that it “will simply not happen”.
Next year’s Clipsal date is particularly contentious as the teams scurry to build their new Car of the Future vehicles in time for the season-opener.
Cochrane however says that the implementation of the new regulations is not the only reason that the category is against an earlier start next year.
“In addition to this (the COTF) we have major media commitments around the championship in March,” he said.
“Our position is well known to the South Australian Government and the South Australian Motorsport Board.”
The full 2013 V8 Supercars Championship calendar is expected to be released in October.