Police Praise Racegoers Good Behaviour both On and Off the Track

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Out of the more than 192,000 spectators who piled into Newcastle's CBD over the past three days, police say they only made four arrests.

Operation Boote was set up from Friday through until yesterday to ensure the safety and security of everyone including spectators and drivers throughout the event.

Newcastle City Local Area Command was assisted by other police units including the Dog Unit, Bicycle Unit, Police Transport Command and the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command. 

"Four incidents over three days with that amount of people coming into the city is still very very pleasing," said Operation Boote Commander Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell.

"Having walked the ground, going out amongst the crowd myself with senior police, the crowd was exceptional."

Among the arrests was a 33-year-old man who allegedly assaulted a security guard on the Shortland Esplanade yesterday afternoon. He was taken to Newcastle Police Station, charged and released, but as he was leaving it's alleged he didn't go quietly, becoming aggressive towards police. He was arrested again and in the end charged with two counts of assault and resisting police.

He was refused bail in the end and appears in Newcastle Local Court today.

Another incident involved a man and a woman, both aged 35, who were arrested after an alleged fight on a footpath at King Street on Saturday. They were charged with affray, granted conditional bail and face Newcastle Local Court on December 12. 

The fourth arrest was a 30-year-old man on Saturday night after he allegedly assaulted a 44-year-old woman at Foreshore Park. No charges have been laid as yet.

Officers were kept busy on roads outside the precinct

On the roads officers conducted more than 5580 random breath tests, handing out 300 infringement notices for speeding offences and charged 13 drivers with drink-driving.

One motorbike rider was arrested and charged after he was allegedly caught doing 157km/h on Main Road Shortland which is a 90km/h zone. The 29-year-old was arrested and charged after a short pursuit and faces court on Thursday after being granted conditional bail.

Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said it was a learning opportunity for everyone involved and there were areas to be improved upon including more police on the ground during concerts and better management of people leaving the precinct on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

"Look I think to be honest it was a real learning opportunity for not only police but all agencies involved in this event. I believe that our planning has gone exceptionally well, probably better than I had first hoped."

"However I must say for people to become annoyed with having to wait at various checkpoints or whether they're waiting for public transport, I think when you're managing something with so many people, I think when you take a step back and look at the bigger picture Transport NSW did a fantastic job," said Assistant Commissioner Mitchell.

Newcastle 500 Far Exceeds Expectations with More Than 190,000 Spectators

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Newcastle 500 far exceeded expectations.

The anticipated number of 150,000 racegoers was smashed with more than 192,000 fans flocking to Newcastle's CBD over the last three days.

It could become the largest annual sporting event with 56, 478 patrons on Friday, 69,526 on Saturday and 66, 238 on Sunday, plus some 9, 000 corporate guests.

Supercars CEO James Warburton said the whole weekend was phenomenal.

“The venue is incredible; the crowds have been huge and the live pictures of the boats, ships, the harbour, the beaches and Newcastle being beamed live around Australia and the world are amazing."

2017 Supercars Champion Jamie Whincup had nothing but praise for the inaugural event.

"It was an unbelievable event and I'm not just saying that cause we're here. Friday morning to see people queued up for hundreds of metres just to get in, the driver's parade there was so many people, it was absolutely packed out."

"I don't reckon anyone who came out this weekend was disappointed and didn't get value for money. I think they were unbelievable pictures that went all over the country and all over the world on what supercar racing is all about. No doubt this will grow from strength to strength."

All of the drivers who landed podium finishes across the weekend in the Supercars events agreed the track certainly was a challenge.

"It's one of the toughest no doubt. Those runs down the hill are incredibly difficult. It's so easy to make a mistake, very difficult to pass so if you're back in the pack coming through is really tough," said Whincup.

Novocastrian Aaren Russell agreed it took Saturday's race to figure out the track and it's tricks.

"Today was a lot easier, to be honest, I think yesterday was a bit of a great unknown so today we all knew kind of where the spots were where you could pass and what wasn't on. I had a few bloody hairy moments with some other cars that I thought were going to shove me into a wall so maybe I drove a little conservative," said Russell.

Nothing but Smiles from Racegoers

Racegoers were very happy with the event and with more than 190, 000 of them it was hard to find anyone who wasn't enjoying themselves.

"Awesome event. Well planned out. It's such a mind spin to see cars going through the middle of Newcastle and around the streets we usually drive on," said Mark from Maitland.

"And it's such a great showcase for our city to the world. The world is watching. It's pretty awesome."

The race precinct saw it's fair share of spectators who simply went along to soak up the atmosphere.

"I'm not a car person and I don't like car racing at all but I had to come because of the event. I can see the attraction but the main thing is Newcastle has got it all. The views, the weather, the city," said David from Newcastle.

Everyone agreed the weekend really shone a spotlight on Newcastle not only here in Australia but throughout the world.

Garry from Gorokan on the Central Coast agreed and with many others found it easy and trouble-free to jump on public transport and head into the race precinct.

"Nice easy walk from the station to the track."

"Better than Sydney."

"Lovely weather, like the track. It could be a little bit wider but other than that it's great."

The event would have had its teething problems, and one of the only things spectators would have liked to see was more big screens and loudspeakers so they knew what was happening throughout the whole race.

Whincup taking a splash in the fountain. Image Supercars Australia Facebook page.

The Coates Hire Newcastle 500 returns to Newcastle next year on November 23-35.

Novocastrian Aaren Russell Speechless after Newcastle 500

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Aaren Russell was absolutely speechless after the final race at the Newcastle 500.

The Novocastrian driver came across the line in 19th position in the final race yesterday after a weekend of ups and downs.

At 26-years-old, Russell said he just wanted to make Newcastle proud after he crashed out in Saturday's race and failed to finish.

"I actually shed a couple of tears in the car. I just felt like the weight of Newcastle was on me and I felt like I just let everyone down so to be able to do this today in this car with this team, they've got such a small budget so to race up there with some of  the big boys today is just, I don't know I can't describe it!"

"I'm buggered. I'm absolutely shattered."

Russell had a couple of close calls during the 250km race between other drivers on the track, but he had other problems as well with his cool suit not working properly through much of the race.The suit is meant to keep drivers cool at 2 degrees celcius, but Russell's suit was only getting down to around 12 to 15 degrees celsius.

"I was bloody hot all race. The drink bottle failed a little bit towards the middle stint so it was all going on."

Image Supplied.

Drivers appeared to use Saturday's race to try figure out what they would and wouldn't be able to do on the new street circuit. Russell said that made yesterday's race much easier.

"I think yesterday was a bit of a great unknown so today we all knew kind of where the spots were where you could pass and what wasn't on. I had a few bloody hairy moments with some other cars that I thought were going to shove me into a wall so maybe I drove a little conservative."

"I'm really happy with the times. We were so consistent in the first part of the race and we even got the lead in that first stint so that's pretty cool."

"Everyone has been so supportive and it just means the absolute world to me so I'm kind of on top of the moon. I tried to cross the track at the end there to jump in the harbour but they wouldn't let me cross the track so that'll have to wait for another day."

"I'm just really happy to finish the event. I'm pumped."

Whincup Claims Supercars Championship Crown in Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Jamie Whincup has scored his seventh Supercars title at the inaugural Newcastle 500.

The stage was set for Scott McLaughlin to take out a win today but after a trio of penalties throughout the 250km race he came undone.

The final lap was almost absolute carnage with McLaughlin squeezing Craig Lowndes into Turn 2 in a battle for 11th position. Needing 11th place to win the Championship, McLaughlin held the place but was then handed a penalty for reckless driving and ended up finishing in 18th.

Whincup took the win with 21 points ahead of McLaughlin in the Championship.

"I crossed the line and I thought I was second and I asked the guys and girls 'what's going on? Fill me in!' And then I just heard screaming down the radio so I though alright this is looking good!"

"Unbelievable."

"In any sport you never say die. It's not over until the far lady sings as they say so we knew we had a chance but your gut feel says it's a long shot. I was pretty gutted last night thinking how unlucky, what did we do to deserve yesterday. But clearly that got turned around today." 

Shane van Gisbergen crossed the line in third followed by David Reynolds.

Drivers kept the pace all race with only two safety cars needed in this afternoon's race; one for James Courtney after crashing into a wall and another for debris on the track.

Whincup has no doubt this race was one of the toughest of the year.

"It's been an unbelievable battle with some unbelievably good competition and for it to come down to the last lap, the dying moments, the last ten seconds of the year, this one is right up there," said Whincup.

2017 Supercars Champion Jamie Whincup. Image Robert Rouse

Supercars Drivers have Nothing But Praise for Big Crowds in Newcastle on Day Two

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Scott McLaughlin had nothing but praise for the crowd in Newcastle today after taking out the big race of the day in top spot.

Qualifying this morning saw McLaughlin score Pole position heading into Race 25 this afternoon with a fastest lap time of 1 minute 09 seconds. Championship contender Jamie Whincup came over the line in fifth position.

Newcastle's own Aaren Russell finished 23rd in qualifying with a time close to the front of the pack at 1 minute 10 seconds.

It didn't take long for the fresh track to see one of its first major crashes when the V8 Supercars hit the circuit late today.

Whincup's bid for the championship title took a major blow when he made contact with Michael Caruso on Turn 3, Whincup ran out of room on the turn as Caruso turned in, leaving the Holden's right-front steering arm and lower control arm needing to be replaced.

Whincup returned to the race 13 laps later and ended up finishing in 23rd position gaining just 42 points. It doesn't look like even a win will get him the Championship title tomorrow.

It leaves McLaughlin only having to finish 11th or better in the race tomorrow to take out the Supercars 2017 Championship title.

Second place was taken by Fabian Coulthard, trailed by Tim Slade.

It's louder then it seems! An estimated 60,000 people streamed through the gates today to see Newcastle looking absolutely brilliant. #newcastle500 pic.twitter.com/rt93KUY461

— Jessica Rouse (@JessRouse95) November 25, 2017

All three drivers were blown away by both the track and the crowds.

"All weekend the support has been unbelievable," said McLaughlin.

"Obviously all weekend you've seen kilometre lines at gate one trying to get in and the drivers parade to be honest we said was better than Bathurst."

"We're blown away by the place and that podium certainly topped it off."

It was heartbreak for Novocastrian Russell out on the street circuit though, he had a disappointing finish hitting the side of the track after a couple of close calls.

He was sitting just outside the top ten in the race before the incident and didn't return back to the track hoping to make amends when he hits the track tomorrow.



There was another incident earlier in the day during the V8 Ute's qualifying where two spectators suffered minor injuries when two utes collided causing debris to fly over the fence.

A man and a woman suffered minor cuts and were taken to the trackside medical centre for treatment.

In a statement, Supercars Australia said a medical team was on hand within minutes and that incidents of this nature are "extremely rare".

An estimated 60,000 people streamed through the gates today.

"It's Awesome": McLaughlin on Newcastle 500 track

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Supercar Championship contender Jamie Whincup has described the Newcastle 500 track as being like "the Gold Coast on steroids".

Drivers had their first real taste of the 2.6 kilometre track yesterday for two 40 minute practice sessions which saw Jamie Whincup take out the fastest time on the first, and Scott McLaughlin bring it home with the fastest lap on the second practice run.

Whincup was almost a full second faster than McLaughlin in the first practice finishing with 1 minute 10.15 seconds. McLaughlin finished the second practice with the fastest time of 1 minute 09.59 seconds.

Both drivers had nothing but praise for the track after yesterday, telling Supercars Australia:

"It's mad. It's awesome," said McLaughlin.

"Exactly what we thought it was going to be, and probably a bit more."

Whincup said it was a bit bumpier than he was anticipating and it certainly is a challenge.

"You're not even in top gear, it's just a short, little, crazy street circuit. [It's the] Gold Coast on steroids in a way."

"The best part of the circuit is the last part of the corners, coming over the hill down the big rollercoaster into that last, second-last corner," said Whincup.

Today and tomorrow the Supercars will hit the track for two 250km races to decide whether Whincup or McLaughlin will be the 2017 Supercars Champion.

There's plenty of entertainment on and off the track, the Touring Car Masters, V8 Utes, Aussie Race Cars, Toyota 86 and the Dunlop Super2 Series take to the track again today.

The lineup to get wristbands this morning for tonight's concert at the Newcastle 500 certainly were long, but it's sure to be worth the wait with Cold Chisel and Spiderbait taking to the stage in the race precinct tonight.

Last night twin sister duo The Veronicas and Delta Goodrem opened the first night of entertainment for the Newcastle 500 with plenty of fans packing into the heart of the race precinct.

Delta Goodrem rocking the Newcastle 500 last night.

Newcastle 500 Set To Be a Roaring Success

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Supercars CEO has no doubt the Newcastle 500 will be a roaring success.

The East End has been completely transformed into a challenging street circuit which will see 150,000 racegoers flock to the precinct over the next three days.

CEO James Warburton said it's going to be an absolutely brilliant weekend for the last race in the Championship for 2017.

"The whole of the Supercars community is excited and obviously the fans are as well so the numbers are looking absolutely extraordinary and I think we're going to have a brilliant weekend and most importantly we're going to put an incredibly bright spotlight on Newcastle."

Jamie Whincup and Scott McLaughlin will be fighting it out for the Championship title with just 30 points separating the pair. McLaughlin will have to finish several places in front of six-time Supercars Champion Whincup to claim the 2017 Supercars title.

"We never at look at events over a short period of time, I can see this event being here for 15 to 20 years. The finale is a really integral part of our calendar, and obviously, in terms of the crowds a lot of things sold out and I think this will be a very strong weekend and everyone should enjoy themselves," said James.

It won't just be Supercars hitting the race track, Aussie Race Cars, Toyota 86, V8 Utes and a host of other vehicles will be racing around the 2.6 kilometre circuit.

James has thanked the community for all of the support and hopes it continues well into the future beyond his reign as CEO which finishes up at the end of the year.

"It's been a very complex and long civil and capital works program, it's actually been short at six months, but I think the community has been really understanding and I hope they turn out and really enjoy themselves," said James.

There are major road closures in place around the precinct, special event clearways and extra public transport are in place for the next three days. For all the details head to Transport NSW website.

Police Launch Operation Boote Ahead of Supercars 500

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI AND MADELAINE MCNEILL

A high-visibility police operation was launched today as Newcastle prepares for this week’s inaugural Supercars event.

Operation Boote will see officers from Newcastle Local Area Command and across the Northern Region joined by specialist officers to ensure the safety of all those in town for the event.

Officers will be out in force, targeting speeding, drink-driving, mobile phone and seat-belt offences as well as 'hoon behaviour.'

Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchells says police will be on the lookout for any misdemeanours.

"We need this event to be safe and secure and we will have ample police out there to ensure everyone's safety is paramount."

Traffic congestion is another major concern, with more than 150,000 spectators expected to be in attendance. 

“If you have the opportunity, take public transport and come to the event. Do not expect to be able to drive your car close to this event and find a park, it’s just not going to happen," said Mr. Mitchells.
  

V8 Supercars Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard says Supercars is great family entertainment and is asking for people to behave appropriately and be respectful of each other. 

Right: Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchells, Newcastle Lord Mayor
Nuatali Nelmes and Supercars Chief Operating Officier Shane Howard

“Don’t drink and drive. Just come along, enjoy a fabulous weekend with the championship going down to the wire, and go home safely.”

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes believes it is a fantastic time for Newcastle to be showcasing the region to an international audience but says safety is paramount.

“We are encouraging people to play by the rules and make sure that they are following the guidelines set out by the police, Newcastle City Council, and Supercars.”

Assistant Commissioner Mitchell warns anyone who fails to follow the rules will be dealt with accordingly, which could mean paying a high fine or being taken into custody.

“The bottom line is you will be banned from the event,” he said. “We don’t want to see that occurring, so the message is very clear: we want everyone to come to this operation, enjoy the supercars event, and I think over this weekend it’ll be a terrific advertisement for Newcastle as a whole.”

Newcastle Council Partnering with Got Your Back Sista for the Newcastle 500

BY JESICA ROUSE

Newcastle City Council has chosen to partner with a local domestic violence charity ahead of the Newcastle 500 to raise some much needed funds.

Got Your Back Sista is dedicated to helping women who have experienced the trauma of domestic violence. Their vision is to see women and their children happy, thriving and living independently after escaping the trauma of domestic violence.

Newcastle Council selected the charity as the first partnership for the inaugural event after 1,300 staff went around and spoke to the community about the issues they felt most strongly about. The issue was domestic violence against women.

Newcastle Councillors with Melissa Histon
 and Mark Winterbottom on the Newcastle 500 track.

Got Your Back Sista will be promoted at Saturday's Supercars event at a VIP lunch, as well as with founder Melissa Histon addressing the audience.

Melissa said it will be great to raise some money they can use to buy furniture and household items for women who have had to leave a violent home and start again.

"At the end of the day we wish that we didn't have to exist, we wish there was no violence but the sad problem is that domestic violence is a problem in our region and we really need to get the message out there that domestic violence is never acceptable and it's not alright," said Melissa.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said this is just the beginning of a number of events and partnerships to come in the future.

"It's been an initiative of many of the staff at Newcastle City Council led by our CEO to actually look at how they can better volunteer their time and work and support local charities."

Fellow councillors are in agreeance that the Supercars event is a great opportunity to support White Ribbon Day and Got Your Back Sista.

"There are two big events on Friday, the first is Supercars, the second is the White Ribbon Breakfast. This money will go to helping people who have already suffered from domestic violence but the White Ribbon is all about prevention, its all about a message to men that domestic violence is not acceptable," said Councillor John Church.

2015 Supercars Champion Mark Winterbottom is also happy to announce one of his sponsors Brut is donating $100,000 to White Ribbon Day as well over the next 12 months.

"If you can change one perosn's life that's a massive thing. Speak up and obviously, there's lots of support out there through these organisations. It's great that Brut has chosen them as a charity, it's a very manly product but its out there portraying the right message," said Mark.

Frosty Trading the Track for the Surf Ahead of the Newcastle 500

BY JESSICA ROUSE

2015 Supercars Champion Mark Winterbottom hit the sand in Stockton this morning, racing suit and all, with local surf life-saving kids.

With just three days until the Newcastle 500, drivers are getting keen to take a spin on the track for the first time in their Supercars.

Mark Winterbottom on Stockton Beach this morning.

Mark Winterbottom said it's really quite exhilarating coming to a new track and particularly to Newcastle.

"I think the race is going to be fantastic, you know we've got one of the best backdrops, one of the best tracks, the elevation, it's got everything that a circuit needs. It's a championship decider, it'll be the first ever to win on the track, and your motivation is through the roof," said Mark.

The race has come under some scrutiny from local residents in the East End who just last night held an impromptu rally against the race. They chanted songs and chalked slogans and peace symbols on the tarmac on Scott Street.

Mark said from his perspective, the support far outweighs the nay-sayers.

"Some are concerned about environmental issues and then they go and vandalise their own city. I don't really understand that, that's sort of going against everything they stand for. It is what it is. We'll race anywhere but this city I think really seeing the turn out they've had, the ticket sales, it's the start of something big."

From tomorrow teams and equipment start rolling into the CBD to set up.

The 2.6 kilometre track will be the decider for the championship with 30 points separating Jamie Whincup and Scott McLaughlin. Scott does have some ground to make up and will have to finish several places in front of his rival to take out the 2017 Supercars title.

Mark said even though he's not in contention for the championship, he can't wait to get out on the track.

'We'll race anywhere but we come to towns that get behind it and Newcastle is so important for us, it's such a big region, such a big following and to see kids that haven't see our race firsthand will get that taste on the weekend for the first time and that's what its about, they're excited. They treat you like a rockstar but you're just a normal person!"

Traffic to Keep on Flowing Ahead of the Inaugural Newcastle 500 this Weekend

BY JESSICA ROUSE

With just four days to go until the Newcastle 500, the roads which make up the street circuit are now one way in the race direction.

Team trucks and equipment will start rolling into the CBD from Wednesday to set up ahead of the first practice races on Friday.

Event Manager Kurt Sakzewski said it's important to know where you can and can't drive in the city - among the road changes is Shortland Esplanade which is now re-open in one direction heading east.

"The best way for people coming in the East End is they can come in via King Street if they're going to come into the external parts, anything east of Watt Street, Pacific Street, Scott Street things like that and then as they come back out they'll exit out through Scott Street and then head up either Bolton Street or Wolf Street to get back through the city there," said Kurt.

From Friday (24th November) to Sunday (26th November) the circuit will close off to traffic at 7am in the morning until 7pm at night.

"Anyone who has a car inside we recommend before 6:30, maybe even 6am make your way out to make sure you're outside of the gates because once we hit 7am those gates will be closed off at the exit at Scott Street so it's best that everyone get out,"

"In the afternoons we are saying that by 7pm we will have the gates open again at King Street so people can come back in, whether they live on the circuit or inside the circuit," said Kurt.

Outside of those times pedestrian access to homes, etc. shouldn't be a problem.

For a full list of traffic conditions which can be subject to change head to: http://www.supercars.com/newcastle/community/changed-traffic-conditions/

Emergency Services Ready for Thousands at Newcastle 500

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The V8 Supercars will be roaring into Newcastle in less than a week, and local emergency services will be out in force.

Supercars Australia says they've worked closely with both local and state emergency services to ensure every measure is put in place to deliver a safe and enjoyable weekend in the city.

There will be a strong police presence both inside the precinct and on the outskirts of the city.

"We're making sure from a policing aspect this is a family friendly event so we will be targeting any anti-social behaviour and those who over-indulge in alcohol so be warned. But primarily one of the key messages is about traffic and we will have a very very strong traffic contingent up from Sydney and combined with our local traffic and highway patrol officers," said NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell.

Police say they're satisfied they can manage both traffic and crowds heading into the city and are urging everyone to take public transport if they can.

"It's very very important that you give yourself ample time. It will be congested, we know that but police will be out in force so I would strongly suggest if you have the opportunity of travelling on public transport I would do so," said Assistant Commissioner Mitchell.

"One of the key aspects is about people walking to the event and making sure they can flow quite well to this precinct," said Assistant Commissioner Mitchell.

Supercars Australia has set up a dedicated medical centre and personnel for East End residents which will be on the corner of Telford and Stevenson Place and open from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November between 7am and 7pm.

"Supercars Australia has been working with local and state emergency agencies, both police, fire and ambulance to make we sure we have a comprehensive emergency service and safety plan for the event," said event organiser Kurt Sakzewski.

We want to make sure that everyone who is involved in this event whether they're a competitor, a spectator, resident inside the circuit and also those in the surrounding areas to make it a safe and enjoyable weekend."

In addition, there will be police, fire and ambulance services located inside the track precinct during the event.

"So in the case of an emergency as per usual if someone needs urgent assistance, if they can call triple zero and in most circumstances the response time will quite likely be faster than what they normally have because we've already got those services located inside the circuit," said Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell.

Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, Event Manager Kurt Sakzewski,
Superintendent Greg Windeatt & Inspector Luke Wiseman from NSW Ambulance.

Not the First Place You'd expect to Find the Knights...

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It's not the first place you'd find the Newcastle Knights, but this morning they took a walk around the Newcastle 500 Supercars track.

Knights players Jamie Buhrer and Nathan Ross were joined by V8 Supercar greats Scott McLaughlin, Jason Bright and Novocastrian driver Aaren Russell to take a walk around the track and offer advice on what the drivers should do while they're staying in Newcastle.

There's just 10 days to go until the inaugural Newcastle 500 and the drivers arrived today to find the track nearing its completion.

Supercar Drivers and Newcastle Knights walk the track.

"It's crazy, I've now walked it three times properly and each time it just progresses so much, it's quite crazy to think how much they can do in a couple of weeks so I know all of these other guys saw it back in July and there was nothing here and now there's this massive amount of infrastructure that the town has built," said Novocastrian driver Aaren Russell.

"It's going to be a crazy racetrack but I'm looking forward to it."

The drivers all agree the track has a little bit of everything when it comes to scenery.

"There's not many places you can go and you get kind of like a San Francisco feeling through Watt Street and then also have the harbour and the beach as well so I think these guys and myself as well, we're just keen to get here and the scene is set , you've got two guys who are fighting for the championship and its going to come down to this race at Newcastle," said Aaren.

Supercars driver Jason Bright says they expect 50 per cent of the crowd to be first time supercar event attendees and they hope they develop a love for the sport from what will be a great race.

"That's the beauty of street races like this. We basically bring the racing to the people, when we're having races out in the country or at a permanent circuit you rely on the pure motorsport fan to come and watch our races whereas at events like this we come into the city and it's a big event for the city," said Jason Bright.

Aaren Russell, Scott McLaghlin, Jamie Buhrer, Jason Bright and Nathan Ross.

Newcastle 500 Transport Strategy Should make Travel a Breeze

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The transport plan for how thousands of people will be getting around during the Supercars Newcastle 500 event has finally been released.

There will be an integrated ticketing option with 300 additional buses and 90 more train services scheduled for the three-day event.

Park and ride services will be located not only from McDonald Jones Stadium to the Honeysuckle precinct, but also added across Newcastle Harbour at Stockton for the ferry service.

There will be two ferries running which can carry 200 passengers and crew each. The ferries will be running every 5 to 10 minutes.

Newcastle 500 Event Manager Kurt Sakzewski says the plan will easily enable 150,000 commuters to get in and out.

"We want to make sure all of those people can get in and out of the event in an easy manner and that's why we've introduced this integrated ticketing option so people will be able to come in whether it's via bus, ferry, train, in coming from Sydney and the outer regions,"

Event Manager Kurt Sakzewski.

"They'll be coming into Newcastle here, they'll be delivered to the gate and after the even, they'll take the same routes home as well," said Kurt Sakzewski.

The ticket you've purchased to get into the event itself will give you free public transport whatever it may be.

"The great thing about the integrated ticket is it doesn't matter what version of public transport that you want to take, you can get on a bus, get on a ferry, get on a train, you just show your event ticket and it just gives you access all of the way through for no extra cost," said Kurt Sakzewski.

Revitalising Newcastle Program Director Michael Cassel says they've tried to prepare for anything.

"We will have a command centre running throughout the three days to the event. That command centre will include everyone from police, event organisers, Keolis Downer, and people from NSW Transport so we'll be able to monitor what's going on and we'll be able to make changes as we move throughout the day and the night."

Event organisers have planned for people coming into the city from every possible way and they say this year will be a very good test to see how well they've planned.

"We can assess how it actually works after year one but we also keep an eye on where our ticket sales are from as well so gives us a little heads up but really it will be after the event itself that we will know the exact details and obviously in year two we will apply that to the plan," said Kurt Sakzewski.

Kurt admits it will be interesting to see how well people will be moved in and out of city on the Friday and Saturday nights but they've been working with police and every other transport agency to ensure everyone gets out in a timely manner.

The biggest piece of advice the organisers have is to catch public transport. Don't drive.

"We really want to encourage people to take public transport. All major events government use public transport to ferry people in and out and that would be the most efficient and least disruptive way to get in and out of the event," said Michael Cassel.

"This Government Needs to Get their Act Together": Newcastle MP on Transport Strategy

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp is demanding the government get their act together with a transport strategy for the Newcastle 500.

The Supercars race is only four weeks away and the government is yet to release a plan for how 150,000 visitors, as well as residents, will be travelling around the city.

Tim Crakanthorp said Newcastle is already dealing with a terrible transport system, so the sooner a plan is put together the better.

"Keolis Downer has a terrible record of running the buses in the city since they've taken over we're got nothing but problems. The drivers haven't been being paid properly, we've got superannuation issues, we've got school children being left on the side of the road. it's an absolute disgrace."

Keolis Downer will be faced with a myriad of challenges.

Hunter Street is closed for light rail construction forcing traffic along King Street, Wharf Road will be closed from Argyle Street during the race and racegoers who use the train service will be jumping off at the new Wickham interchange and travelling the remaining distance on a bus, by foot or on a bike.

Tim Crakanthorp said if people come and they can't get around, they may not ever come back to visit again.

"If they come here and its gridlock, I don't think they'll be coming back so we really need this government to get their act together, get this plan, work with Keolis Downer who have a terrible record at this point, and make sure the people of Newcastle can be confident that their beautiful city will be on display and people can actually see the race,"

"Now this minister needs to get very organised for this race because at the moment it's looking pretty damn difficult and I would say that this government needs to come out very quickly with a very good plan with Keolis Downer," said Tim Crakanthorp.

More Track Work Starts Ahead Of Newcastle 500

BY IAN CROUCH

Night time road works are getting under way on Wharf Road, Newcastle as part of preparations for the V8 Supercars race in November.

Work will be carried out on the street circuit from 5pm until 7am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night into early Saturday morning.

Wharf Road will be closed to traffic while the work is carried out.

Supercars Boss Says Newcastle 500 Noise Can Be Mitigated

BY IAN CROUCH AND NIKOLA JOKANOVIC

Supercars Australia admits some homes in Newcastle's East End will be impacted by noise above accepted guidelines when the Newcastle 500 comes to the city in November.

Organisers commissioned an independent audit which found 31 homes in 11 buildings will be subjected to noise levels between one and seven decibels higher than recommended guidelines.

However, Supercars boss, James Warburton maintains the impact of noise can be addressed by simple and effective mitigation strategies and they're working with government agencies to identify and help any residents in the East End with special needs.

"The Supercars are actually getting in contact with each and every one of those residents and discussing a range of mitigation factors. There's a whole range of measures that we're putting in place, plus working with family and community services, if there's mental health issues or elderly or very young kids. We're working through each individual need in the precinct."

The organisers will be publishing a noise management plan featuring a number of noise mitigation strategies for residents and businesses in the precinct.

Proposed measures include installing acoustic screens at key points on the circuit, providing hearing protection to individuals, moving from the front of properties to back rooms and advising concerned residents to leave the racing precinct during the day.

Warburton thinks the positives of the event far outweigh the negatives.

"I don't think there's any shadow of a doubt that this will be the biggest event Newcastle's ever seen, and it's here for the long term. It'll be a huge boost and stimulus for local businesses, and obviously the local community. This really is about shining a light very brightly on Newcastle and ensuring that when our fans come here, they come a little earlier and leave a little later and really enjoy the region."

Supercars Boss James Warburton says Noise Issues Can Be Mitigated

Roadworks ramping up in Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Construction works in Newcastle are being taken up a gear with night work going through until Wednesday this week.

The work is underway on Watt Street between Chruch and Scott Streets with the removal of asphalt and then the laying of the new road surface to be done through the night.

The noisy removal of asphalt will stop at 11pm.

It's all in preparation for the Newcastle 500, and Supercars Australia says it will be short-term pain for long-term gain with the upgrades set to benefit the city well into the future.

Supercars Event Manager Kurt Sakzewski said some of the underground infrastructure which is being replaced is more than a century old.

In addition, driveway and footpath upgrade works will continue during the day and Supercars Australia says they'll notify affected residents and businesses in advance if any access changes occur.

Newcastle deserves better than what its got: Greens

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle Greens candidates say the city deserves better than what it's got.

With local council elections just one month away, the Green's kick started their campaign yesterday with NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge alongside Greens voters and local Newcastle residents.

Lord Mayoral candidate Therese Doyle says it is particularly encouraging that state MP's like David Shoebridge stand up for Newcastle and what Newcastle deserves.

"They take a lot of heart from the fact that people like David Shoebridge stand up for their interest in the State Parliament because the State Government is not standing up for Newcastle's interests."

Therese Doyal has promised if she takes out the top job she'll involve the community in all decisions and ensure they are listened to by the state government. In particular, the debate over the Newcastle 500 Supercars race, which doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon, and Therese says she'll keep fighting against it for Newcastle residents and the community.

Mayoral Candidate Therese Doyle, NSW Greens
MP David Shoebridge & Council Candidate
Thomas Levick.

David Shoebridge said the current council is giving the city nothing they deserve and everything they don't want and has some fighting words for current Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes.

"The Lord Mayor here in Newcastle has really surrendered the city to the State Government, she hasn't stood up when it mattered on Supercars, she hasn't stood up when it mattered on protecting the corridor and we need the strength of Councillor Doyle and hopefully with the Lord Mayor chains around her, really making sure Newcastle stands up to the arrogance of the state government."

Therese Doyle was a little more diplomatic towards the current Lord Mayor.

"Ahh... I have a different vision I believe to Nuatali. I would like to see some of the money we are spending here on the Supercars even spent on other projects. I would like to see us engaging more actively with supporting cultural arts events."

"There have been Greens on this council standing up for this community and the environment for decades. This is a chance to elect an even bigger team, to have a stronger influence on council and to make sure the community are being heard, not just those developers and those private interests that are picking off our parks, picking off our heritage. It's time the community really got a good listen to," said David Shoebridge.

The fight against the Supercars event isn't slowing down.

Parking in Newcastle's CBD could be getting worse

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The end is near for parking spaces in Newcastle's East End, as near as Monday in fact.

From next week 90 car spots in the East End will be slashed from being 12 hour zones to just two and four hours in a bid to increase the parking turnover and help both residents and businesses in the area find a carpark easier.

The spots set to be impacted include Nobby's Road, Stevenson Place, Telford Street, part of Scott Street and Parnell Place.

Eight-hour sections on Moroney Avenue and Scott Street will also be halved back to four-hour parking, while a 12-hour section of Scott Street will become parking for motorcycles.

Not only are parking hours being slashed, but fees will be in place until 9pm in some places including Parnell Place, parts of Scott Street, Nobbys Road, Stevenson Place and Telford Street. Other areas will be until 5pm.

Council say temporary long term parking will be made available on Wharf Road between Watt Street and Queens Wharf.