2023 Newcastle 500 dates proposed

Supercars is poised to open the 2023 season in Newcastle and keep racing there for a further four years after applying for Heritage NSW approval.

A tentative March 10-12 date for the 2023 event has been proposed as part of the application.

If given the green light, Newcastle would become the first round of the much anticipated Gen3 era, with the new Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang debuting in 2023.

"We can confirm that Supercars has applied to stage the Newcastle 500 for the proposed dates of 10-12 March 2023 (dates subject to approvals), as the championship opening event," a Supercars spokesperson said.

"Supercars can confirm that permission has been sought with Heritage NSW for the proposed 2023 event date, and another four years of racing in Newcastle.

"That permit would allow all key stakeholders, including Supercars, Destination NSW and City of Newcastle to discuss the future of the event beyond 2023.

"We look forward to working with our key stakeholders on securing this event for Newcastle in the future."

A City of Newcastle spokesperson added: "City of Newcastle is working with Supercars Australia on a tentative date for a final Newcastle 500 event in 2023 under the existing five-year agreement.

"This final event would be delivered under existing arrangements, the same as the successful events of 2017, 2018 and 2019.

"The future of the Newcastle 500 beyond the final race is a decision of the NSW Government in the first instance, requiring a new agreement between Destination NSW and Supercars Australia.

"Any inclusion of Newcastle as a potential host city for another five years will be subject to broad community and stakeholder consultation, to be undertaken by City of Newcastle, and a decision of the elected council."

The Newcastle street circuit event made its debut in 2017 as the season finale.

It was the scene of one of Supercars' most dramatic moments in history when Jamie Whincup famously won his seventh career championship.

The 2022 season will resume at the OTR SuperSprint on July 30-31. Purchase your tickets now.