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."

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.

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/

Delays in Work on Watt Street

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Major works to Watt Street in Newcastle are being delayed for another fortnight after storm water drains and unexpected substructures were found underneath the road.

Council is currently working to upgrade the city's oldest road and prepare it for the upcoming V8 Supercars Race in November.

Work on Watt Street will continue until mid-September
[Image: Newcastle Herald]

Event Manager for Newcastle 500, Kurt Sakzewski says the complications were discovered last weekend during the digging process.

"We found that once we started digging that there were areas of this upgrade that weren't what we expected and that even included a storm water line that actually rose up higher than expected," he said.

"That's resulted in some additional engineering work that needs to be done and to actually implement that engineering plan, we're going to need a bit more time to do that properly."

The change means plans to re-route bus services from Hunter Street to King Street will be set back until September 10.

However Newcastle Council CEO, Jeremy Bath says the delays will have absolutely no effect on the Supercars Race or the Light Rail Construction.

"The only delay that will come out of Watt Street is the completion of Watt Street resurfacing and that will be two weeks but that will have absolutely no bearing on the start or the finish of the light rail construction. So, while it is a delay for the businesses and residents that live on Watt Street, it's relatively minimal in terms of its impact on the broader community."

The delay follows one of many setbacks in recent months, including a day long power outage in July.

The works have also left a Bottle-O in Newcastle's CBD without a phone connection for 11 days because NBN technicians couldn't access the source of the problem.

Jeremy Bath says he understands if residents are frustrated by the setback but says the work is actually on track to be finished six weeks early.

"Earlier in the year we actually announced some changes in terms of traffic management that brought forward the completion of Watt Street by 8 weeks. Unfortunately, we've had to claw back 2 of those weeks [but] even though we're now going to finish Watt Street 2 weeks later than what we had been hoping to, it's still 6 weeks earlier than what we had been originally planning."

Work is now expected to be complete by mid-September.

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.

V8 Supercar stars hit the Hunter tomorrow

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Some of the biggest starts of the V8 Supercars are hitting Foreshore Park tomorrow in the lead up to the Newcastle 500 in November.

The Community Fun Day being held tomorrow between 10am and 2pm will give the community the opportunity to meet drivers such as Garth Tander, the only full time female driver Simona De Silvestro, and get their hands on some of the first tickets to be sold for the event.

Tickets going on sale tomorrow are at a reduced rate for people who live in the Hunter area.

Supercars Chief Executive James Warburton has made the trip as well, and believes tomorrow will give the community an idea of just what the V8's will bring to the city.

"It gives a taste of what the Supercars event will be in November, but until you've been to a major street race event its very hard to get your head around exactly what we are bringing. I think on the most part through all the research we've seen, the support levels are up in the high 80 per cent plus range."

Many East End residents are still opposing the plan to have the race held in the city, but James Warburton is keen to show just how much money the race can inject into the city's economy.

"These events are actually about making sure hotels, houses are rented out, there's full restaurants and bars and clubs and all those types of things and that's what makes or breaks these types of events and we're obviously excited to be in such an amazing city."

The race in November is expected to see more than 150, 000 spectators flock to the city from local to interstate.

"We know a lot of our interstate fans are already booking and  wanting to come here and that's the absolute focus on what's needed for the economy and people come the the race and often stay on and go to the Hunter and the vineyards and have a good time and enjoy everything the region has to offer," said James Warburton.

Greens motion fails to stop V8's

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

A motion by Newcastle Greens councillors overnight to withdraw support for the V8 Supercars event in Newcastle has been defeated.

Councillor Therese Doyle argued the sport was a "highly destructive event" at council's meeting last night, and said it would cause harm to the community.

She also argued the race would cause excessive and dangerous emissions and noise pollution.

However, the motion was slapped down by every councillor except the Greens.

The Herald reports East End residents packed the public gallery and shouted down the council when the motion was defeated.

Newcastle councillors want to take a page out of London's book

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle's Labor councillors are keen to follow in London's footsteps and introduce a high-performance electric vehicle race to the city during the Newcastle 500 event.

A motion to host a 'Supercars E' event will be put forward at tonight's Newcastle City Council meeting calling on council and Supercars to explore the idea of hosting an electric vehicle race.

The motion stems from London's move to host the Formula E (high-performance zero-emission electric Formula 1 vehicles) in the city centre with the introduction of the ePrix.

"It's a motion that's been brought because of the transition that's underway across Newcastle. The work that we're doing to establish ourselves as a smart city and an energy centre in particular and the role that electric vehicles are going to play in the future of Newcastle" said Labor Councillor Declan Clausen.

Councillors say electric cars could be the way of the future in Newcastle, with the city already a leader in scientific research and smart energy.

Declan Clausen says there are already high-performance vehicles being manufactured in the Hunter, so why not take the opportunity to show them off.

"It's an exciting opportunity and something we need to explore, plus there are some pretty impressive high-performance electric vehicles that are being manufactured here in the Hunter and I think it'd be great to see some of those highlighted and showcased as a part of an event like this."

For the first V8 supercars race in November, 150, 000 spectators are expected to converge on the city and another race making use of the track and associated spectator facilities can only be of benefit to Newcastle.

Ideally, councillors would like the event to kick off from this year, but if not, there's still time.

"We've got a five year contract with supercars and the Newcastle 500 is going to be with us for the next five years at least, so I think it's certainly something that would be great to see in future years."

V8 Supercar superstars visit Newcastle

BY JESSICA ROUSE

V8 Supercars superstars visited Newcastle this morning to inspect the circuit for this year's inaugural Coates Hire Newcastle 500 in November.

Drivers James Courtney and Scott McLaughlin were joined by Supercars CEO James Warburton at Fort Scratchley for a tour of the circuit with circuit engineers.

The Coates Hire Newcastle 500 will be the grand final of the Virgin Australia Supercar Championship for the next five years.

"We were here a month ago and did a similar sort of thing where we plotted out and worked out where we thought it should go, and its great to see something that you've been a part of the whole way growing and its all starting and all here, and it's fantastic," said James Courtney.

The race will give a huge economic boost to the region of more than $57 million attracting 81,000  visitors over the next five years.

CEO James Warburton with Supercars drivers and engineers at Coates Hire Newcastle 500 circuit this morning. [Image Cole Hitchcock]

Supercars Race Won't Impact Heritage Of Newcastle's East End:Report

BY IAN CROUCH

A heritage report on the Supercars race in November has painted a rosy picture despite concerns from residents.

The reports says the race will enhance the national profile and promote the heritage of Newcastle's East End.

Some residents argue the race will devalue the east end and cause permanent damage to the foundations of heritage buildings and the streetscape.


Meanwhile, organisers of the Newcastle 500 race have unveiled a map showing changes to streets in the city's east end.

Wharf Road and Parnell Place will be widened as part of the street circuit, while a new road will go through Nobbys Reserve, and paving will be laid along 100 metres of Foreshore Park to connect two existing car parks to make way for the pits.

The Proposed Street Circuit

Awareness Picnic for V8 Supercars Race

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

This weekend, the Newcastle East Resident's Group is holding an awareness picnic at Foreshore Park to spread the word about issues surrounding the V8 Supercars Race.

Many members are concerned the race will bring permanent damage to the local area, including the destruction of a large amount of parkland.

Member for Newcastle East Resident's Group, Karen Read says she hopes the picnic will bring attention to this issue.

"We just wanted to point out to people that a lot of the changes that are going into the park are actually permanent," she said.

"We're really just raising awareness that many of the (Foreshore) trees do have to go and that the pit area which has to be built will be a permanent fixture.

"It will be a very large permanent slab of concrete so we're losing in excess of 3 hectares of park."

Karen Read also says many of the group's questions are going unanswered and there is a lack of information for concerned residents.

"We can't get any information from the proponents. We don't really know what's going to happen," she said.

"We're not sure what's happening with the children's playgrounds. We think they might have to be moved. Some of the parkland at the bottom of Fort Scratchley will have to be resumed so that the roads are wide enough. But we can't get straight answers."

While those against the race are gathering this weekend, another picnic for pro-race resident's will also be held the following Saturday.

The picnic's organisers are hoping people will attend their event to show support for the race and learn more about motor sports.

Karen Read says she has nothing against people who support the race, but believes the local's deserve more insight into the event.

"We feel as though if it's (the race) so good for Newcastle, they need to be transparent about what they're doing."

Member of Newcastle East Resident's Group, Karen Read.
[Image: Newcastle Herald]

Government to Create New Race Liaison Office

BY RACHEL STORER

The Newcastle 500 Track. Image: supercars.com

The Berejiklian government has announced it will establish a "Newcastle 500 Coordination Office" to better manage community consultation in the lead up to the inaugural V8 Supercar race in November.

The NSW Tourism Minister, Adam Marshall says the office will be staffed by Destination NSW and will employ a full-time government liaison officer who will oversee community engagement as well as work closely with Supercars Australia and Newcastle City Council.

Mr Marshall said "their job will be to be on the ground all the time as a permanent presence in Newcastle to ensure the smooth coordination of the inaugural Newcastle 500".

"Everything must run smoothly to try and make the first event in November this year as successful as possible for Newcastle and the greater Hunter region."

The current management of the event has been hit with criticism from Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp and shadow tourism minister Penny Sharpe, who called for an independent liaison body on the same day the new office was announced.

Mr Marshall said it was disappointing to see Labor call for action that had already been discussed.

"Certainly the issues that [Labor] have raised publicly were already addressed a week or two ago and I hope Labor will support this legislation through Parliament because this is going to be a great event for Newcastle."

It is hoped that the government office will ensure that construction continues with minimal disruption to the local community.

Labor Calls For Central Supercars Authority In Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

The state opposition is calling on the Berejiklian Government to establish a central coordination authority in Newcastle to run the V8 Supercars event in November.

The government has week introduced legislation to have the event coordinated by Destination NSW through a host of committees based in Sydney.

Labor says this is in stark contrast to the Supercars event held in Sydney, where a Homebush Motor Racing Authority was set up to be a central touch point for the community.

Shadow Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events, Penny Sharpe has described the arrangements for Newcastle as a recipe for confusion and buck passing.

"People are worried that Supercars have been responsible for the consultation. We believe that this is completely inappropriate - people, need an independent, government organisation that's able to coordinate all of the different stakeholders - residents, businesses, and the event organisers, to make sure that this runs smoothly, but also to give them somewhere where they can actually have their complaints heard," she said.

Labor Mps Tim Crackenthorp and Penny Sharpe call for Central Supercars Authority In Newcastle

Wickham Transport Interchange To Be Open Before Christmas

BY IAN CROUCH

Trains will be running all the way to the Newcastle Interchange at Wickham in time for the V8 Supercars event in November.

Revitalising Newcastle Project Director, Michael Cassel said construction of the $200-million interchange building on Stewart Avenue is on time and on budget, with work on the internal fitout to finished by October.

It means commuters will be able to connect with trains, buses and taxis at the new interchange, with timetables to be overhauled in 2018 and light rail services to start in 2019.

Artist's Impression of The Newcastle Interchange

Protesters fight noise with noise

BY TYLER FARDELL

A residents group against the V8 Supercars coming to Newcastle have made their complaints loud and clear after an event this morning.

A recording of supercars equal to the sound levels residents close to the race will experience was played at the protest along Scott Street.

Residents close to the race could experience sounds up to 105 decibels, which spokesperson John Beach for the Novocastrians against street racing group says is too much.

"You literally can't stand it. Even with ear plugs it's beyond human endurance, and yet this is going to be right outside people's houses for many hours".

Around 200 people gathered at the event, with tensions boiling over into a small incident.

A woman was reportedly waving a racing flag around while there was a small scuffle between protesters and racing fans.

Community brings change to Supercar circuit

By SARAH BARONOWSKI

Organisers of the Coates Hire Newcastle 500 have made changes to the 2.6 kilometre Supercar circuit following community feedback.

The revised track no longer includes Pacific Park or the Fort but instead runs down WATT street and winds around the Shortland Esplanade.

Despite these changes, the circuit is still set to run through Newcastle's East which has left residents worried about the disruptions the race will bring.

Revised Circuit. [Image from Newcastle Herald]

Newcastle East resident and business owner Maria Charlton said there are more people in the area against the race than for it.

"There are 10 to 20 percent that are for it and they're not affected by the route," she said. "However 80 percent of the residents of Newcastle East are against this.

"It's a majority of residents opposing a race that is targeted at 20 percent of the population."

NSW Premier Mike Baird said those opposed to the race should consider the upside.

"Let me tell you they can rent their places out for a fortune," he said.

Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said council and Supercars will continue their dialogue with residents to ensure the best outcome for all.

"Newcastle City Council thanks the community for their feedback to date," she said. "Consultation will continue to minimise any disruption will ensuring the track highlights the best of Newcastle including its famous coastline."

To discuss the next stages of planning with the community, information sessions will be held at the Crown Plaza, Newcastle today between 4:30pm and 8:30pm and tomorrow between 8am and 12pm.

Newcastle City Council votes no to a by-election but yes to V8 information sessions

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Newcastle City Council has voted to not hold a by-election to fill the ward 2 Councillor position left behind by MP Tim Crackanthorp.

Instead an application has been lodged to not fill the position until after possible council amalgamations - the application is likely to be approved.

Also at last night's meeting, a move to collaborate with V8 Supercars organisers and peak tourism body Destination NSW is going forward.

A legal agreement between the two organisers is being developed which will define the roles, responsibilities, commitments, deliverables and reporting for both Supercars Australia and Destination NSW.

Community consultations and information sessions will be held in an attempt to garner support from Newcastle's East End residents who are raising concerns on the negative impact the race will have on the city.

This comes after residents at a Supercars Australia information session on 9th November 2016 expressed their anger and frustration towards the lack of consultation they have had so far about the race and it's impact on the city.