ONE element of the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship calendar announcement sure to irk some fans relates to the popular return of the Sandown 500.
Many have craved for the historic enduro to be revived – and unlike its most recent edition in 2019, in its rightful place pre-Bathurst.
However, the downside is it will not be broadcast live on free-to-air television.
That will mark a 34-year first, having last occurred in 1989.
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V8 Sleuth understands the decision belonged with the Seven Network as to which rounds it wanted to include in its contracted live half-dozen, and the nod instead went to Newcastle, Darwin, Townsville, Bathurst, Gold Coast and Adelaide.
“With six marquee events scheduled across the screens of Seven in 2023 – including the jewel in the crown of the Australian motorsport calendar, the Bathurst 1000 – we are proud to be your home of Supercars,” said Seven’s head of network sport Lewis Martin.
“In a year like no other, starting with the Newcastle 500, next year will mark the beginning of a new era of motorsport on Seven, and we cannot wait to deliver all the high-octane action with the introduction of Supercars Gen3, to motorsport fans all over Australia.”
The Sandown endurance classic was initially aired on the ABC in the ‘70s through to 1986, with the exception of 1982 which Seven showed.
From there, it went: 1987 (Seven), 1988 (ABC), 1989 (no TV coverage), 1990-91 (ABC), 1992-95 (SBS) and 1996-98 (Ten).
The 500 then moved to Queensland Raceway before returning to Sandown in 2003, back on the screens of Ten (until ’06).
In line with broadcast deals, the Sandown 500 then shifted to Seven for 2007-14 and back to Ten from 2015-19.
