The location of the 2012 V8 Supercars Championship’s penultimate round may not be confirmed until the season has commenced, according to the category’s international director Martin Whitaker.
Next year’s calendar was announced at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 earlier this month, with 15 championship events including a TBA listed for the November 9-11 weekend.
While potential races in Hong Kong (CLICK HERE for previous story) and the Philippines (CLICK HERE for previous story) are not expected to be on the table until 2013, Speedcafe.com understands that V8 Supercars is working hard on filling the gap in next year’s schedule with another new event in the Asian region.
“The TBA is there for a very good reason and frankly, there’s no hurry to announce that,” Whitaker told Speedcafe.com.
“We have a pretty good idea where we’re going to be, but these events don’t grow on trees and there’s an awful lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make sure they happen.
“I wouldn’t even be concerned if we didn’t announce it until February or March next year. It gives the venue the time to make sure that they are absolutely sure in what they are doing with us, how they are going to run it, promote it, how they are going to launch it.
Secure your spot today.
“In all honesty, I’d rather buy a little bit of time now and get it right before firing shots.”
Linking with the Macau Grand Prix or creating a new event in Indonesia are believed to be among V8 Supercars’ most prominent options.
The 2012 Macau Grand Prix is scheduled for a week after V8 Supercars’ TBA date, and will again feature the FIA’s World Touring Car Championship as a support category.
Asked specifically about the Macau event, Whitaker confirmed V8 Supercars’ desire to race at the legendary street circuit.
“The Macau Grand Prix is an amazing event,” said Whitaker.
“They do a good job, and if there’s an opportunity we’d love to be there, but a lot of water has to flow under many bridges before we get there.”
FIA’s Asian Zone representative Wesley Wan however told Speedcafe.com that finding a space on the Macau support card, which also includes the annual Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, would be difficult.
“Yes, they (V8 Supercars) could race at Macau, but the scheduling (is a problem). Macau is quite full and difficult to get a slot on the card,” said Wan.
“I don’t think they’ll be there next year.”
