THERE will be a change to the category line-up in support of the Repco Supercars Championship at the Gold Coast 500 this October.
The National Sports Sedans Series tonight announced its rejigged 2023 calendar featuring a Surfers Paradise finale.
The Tasmania SuperSprint in May was due to open the Sports Sedans season, but Round 1 will instead take place at Winton as part of the June 9-11 Shannons SpeedSeries event.
Rounds will follow at Queensland Raceway and Sydney Motorsport Park before the category joins the Supercars support card at the Repco Bathurst 1000 and Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.
Sports Sedans’ addition at Surfers Paradise will come at the expense of S5000, which has reduced its schedule to six events from an initially planned seven.
S5000 is running its two competitions in conjunction this year, with the final two rounds of the Australian Drivers’ Championship having been set to double as Tasman Series events.
Symmons Plains, Phillip Island, Winton, SMP, The Bend and Adelaide were already locked in, with the Gold Coast having been pencilled in – but never confirmed – as the penultimate stop on the calendar.
“This year’s S5000 schedule will be contested over six rounds,” Australian Racing Group chief operating officer Liam Curkpatrick confirmed to V8 Sleuth.
“There were several possibilities being investigated for the round that was yet to be confirmed in our calendar.
“However, following consultation with the competitor group, it has been decided that slot will not be filled – reducing the calendar to six rounds.
“This was ultimately the ideal outcome to ensure the strongest possible season for the category and the best balance between a high-profile calendar, while still maximising competitor budgets already planned for the season ahead.”
ARG is still eager to stick with the Tasman Series concept, with a rethink currently occurring.
“At this stage, planning for the makeup of the Tasman Series has not been finalised,” said Curkpatrick.
“We intend to continue awarding the Tasman Cup, which will happen at the 2023 VALO Adelaide 500.
“Adelaide will also double as the decider of the Australian Drivers’ Championship / Gold Star award for the first time since 1987.”
Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and the V8 SuperUte Series will both hold their place on the Gold Coast 500 bill.
