SOME significant factors surrounding next year’s Sandown 500 have not been enough to win its place back on free-to-air television.
One thing is for sure: the 2024 edition will mark the 60th anniversary event at the Victorian venue, where ATCC/Supercars history has tended to be celebrated.
It’s also potentially the last ever Sandown 500.
There is no certainty around that, but The Bend’s confirmation for a 2025 enduro looms ominously.
That comes against the backdrop of developers circling the Sandown precinct in Springvale, its land parcel set to net owners the Melbourne Racing Club a lucrative windfall.
This year’s Sandown 500 was the first non-FTA edition since 1989.
Of the 12 Repco Supercars Championship rounds next year, the half-dozen being shown live and free via the Seven Network will be: the Bathurst 500, Darwin Triple Crown, Townsville 500, Bathurst 1000, Gold Coast 500 and Adelaide 500.
That’s consistent with the 2023 mix, the only change being that Bathurst has replaced Newcastle as the season-opener.
MORE: Supercars to introduce timed races
Every Supercars practice, qualifying and race in 2024 will be broadcast live and ad-free via Fox Sports/Kayo.
