Today, the 2014 V8 Supercars Championship calendar will be released, featuring a return to Sydney Motorsport Park for racing.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that SMP would be hosting the pre-season test for V8 Supercars over the next three years. This is part of a new agreement with the New South Wales Government that ensures the continuation of the Homebush street race.
In August, the Western Sydney venue will also host a full points-paying event, marking a second visit.
Since 2008, the championship has only competed at SMP once, with last year’s inclusion in the schedule occurring due to a last-minute reshuffle after the Abu Dhabi event was withdrawn.
Next season will, for the second time since 2004, feature all V8 Supercars events held in Australasia, as the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, will not return after a single appearance.
The initial five-year deal with COTA reportedly resulted in significant financial losses following the inaugural event.
While choosing not to disclose specifics, V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton mentioned last week that the new calendar would include “a consolidation of our domestic product.”
As noted previously, the upcoming season will present a more streamlined series of race formats, with all rounds once again incorporating pitstops.
A significant push from Warburton is expected to yield as many as seven events featuring twilight races.
V8 Supercars will officially announce its 2014 calendar today, confirming that this year’s Homebush season finale will have a twilight finish on Saturday evening.