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.

Thousands Race Through the Gates for Day One of the Newcastle 500

BY JESSICA ROUSE

It's only day one and it looks like the Newcastle 500 is going to be a big hit with racegoers.

Thousands poured through the gates today to watch the V8 Supercars hit the track for their first practice runs ahead of the Supercars Championship decider on the weekend.

The first 40 minute practice got underway at midday with 2017 Championship contender and six-time champion Jamie Whincup bringing home the fastest lap time at just over 1 minute 10.15 seconds.

Not far behind him was Scott Pye, Shane Van Gisbergen, Michael Caruso and in fifth place Tim Slade.

The other big contender for the 2017 Championship title Scott McLaughlin came in at 7th with a time of 1 minute 11.06 seconds.

McLaughlin fought back in Practice 2 though, he came out on top with the fastest time of 1 minute 09.59 seconds just ahead of Whincup who finished the practice in second place with a time of 1 minute 10.02 seconds.

Todd Kelly came along in third, followed by Scott Pye, Fabian Coulthard, Tim Slade and David Reynolds in sixth.

There was only one small incident during the first practice with Mark Winterbottom locking up on the first turn heading down onto the escape road, he made a turn left to rejoin the track.

The Toyota 86 series cars, Aussie Race Cars, V8 Utes and Dunlop Super2 Series also hit the track today.

The Toyota 86's are out in practice once again! #Newcastle500 pic.twitter.com/KgbTNX0zos

— 2NURFM News (@2NURFMNews) November 24, 2017

Meanwhile, it's all hands on deck from Newcastle City Council's perspective for this weekend.

Council has rostered on 120 extra staff to cover the weekend with extra staff including rangers, food inspectors, waste collection crews, parks crews, lifeguards, parking officers and communication officers.

Speaking of waste collection, an extra 600 waste bins have been placed throughout the surrounding areas of the race precinct which will be emptied twice a daily from today until Sunday to cater for the extra people moving in and around the city. Supercars Australia will be looking after waste collection within the precinct.

Road crews will be on deck to respond to any issues with council-managed roads and lifeguards will be stationed at all of the beaches including Newcastle Beach and Nobbys Beach.

Image @HunterHappenings Twitter

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.

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.

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

Watt Street Delays Puts Hunter Street Bus Relocation Back Two Weeks

BY IAN CROUCH

Plans to relocate buses off Hunter Street, Newcastle to allow for construction of the Light Rail project have been put off for a fortnight due to delays in preparing the city for the Supercars race in November.

Newcastle Transport operator, Keolis Downer has released a statement saying unavoidable delays mean the planned bus relocations which were due to to happen this Sunday, won't go ahead until September 10.

Unexpected water mains and storm water drains which didn't appear on maps of Watt Street have delayed the completion of civil works for another two weeks.

It's a further blow for business owners and CBD residents who've had to put up with major disruptions since work started in mid-July.

Completion Of Watt Street Roadworks Delayed picture: therherald.com.au

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.

V8 Supercars draw an unprecedented crowd

BY JESSICA ROUSE

More than six months out from the first Newcastle 500, the Hunter is certainly getting into the spirit of things with fans turning out in huge numbers for the V8 Supercars Fun Day on Saturday.

The Fun Day drew quite the crowd, with more than 10, 000 people heading to Foreshore Park to get their hands on discounted tickets and meet some of the drivers.

Some people lined up for four hours for tickets.

Supercars Australia are said to be starting to discuss how they can fit in more grandstands and Corporate facilities into the area, with tickets looking like they'll sell out well before November.

Newcastle Supercars HQ Vandalised

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are searching for the vandals responsible for a graffiti attack on the heritage facade of a serviceman's club in Newcastle.

The words 'NO V8s' were spray-painted over the front of the United Services Club in Watt Street, which is also serving as the Newcastle headquarters for Supercars Australia, who've rented a room in the heritage-listed building.

It's hoped a nearby CCTV camera will help police identify who's responsible.

Anti-supercars graffiti was also sprayed on a rock face near the entrance to Fort Scratchley.

United Services Club Sprayed With Graffiti Picture: theherald.com.au

Graffiti Also Sprayed On Nobbys Road Fort Scratchley Picture 1233abc

Newcastle Council Wants Last Minute Changes To Supercars Route

BY IAN CROUCH and LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The Newcastle V8 Supercars race might only be eight months away, but there could be some late changes made to the street circuit.

Newcastle councillors voted last night to push for the route to be run along Shortland Esplanade between Nobbys Beach and the Newcastle Ocean Baths instead of running it through the city's historic East End after complaints from residents.

Councillors believe if all parties agree to the change, the $2-million extra cost could be shared between Council, Destination NSW and Supercars Australia.

However, council's Acting Interim Chief Executive, Frank Cordingley told last night's council meeting it wasn't feasible to change the route just eight months out from the race, saying the planning alone would take three months and the construction period would take even longer.

Councillor Brad Luke today agreed with this appraisal, saying "If we change the location of the track now...then it could not be done for this year.

"Newcastle has a history of constantly throwing up little hurdles that end up killing off events. This will be one of the greatest events held in Newcastle and we need to get behind it...rather than putting up these little hurdles and blaming the state government for them."

Cr Luke expressed his disapproval at councillors who "hijacked" last night's meeting by proposing track route changes amidst discussions about using state government and event organiser funding to double as cost-effective improvements to Newcastle roads.

State Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery, has responded to the $8.8 million Supercars announcement by questioning how Council have found the money for the event whilst denying funding to improve flood-prone infrastructure in the city's inner suburbs.

It is understood that community consultation in conjunction with advice from Destination NSW and Supercars Australia will be used to decide upon the final track location.

Newcastle City Council's Acting Interim Chief Executive, Frank Cordingley.