Newcastle street race left off Supercars schedule

The Newcastle round has been left off of next year's Supercars calendar as the future of the street race remains in the balance.

The iconic Mount Panorama circuit will host the opening round of the season instead of the coastal NSW city after Supercars on Friday confirmed the 2024 schedule.

The Bathurst 500 will take place on February 23-25, a weekend after the Bathurst 12-hour race, making it a blockbuster fortnight in the regional NSW town.

Australia's most famous motor race, the Bathurst 1000, will remain on its traditional place in the calendar and run from October 10-13.

But after first hosting a race in 2017, Newcastle's streets will be quieter next year as the joint project between Supercars, Destination NSW and Newcastle City Council reached a stalemate.

Newcastle council pushed for a five-year deal to retain the race and wouldn't agree to the counter offer for a one-year extension.

Supercars declined to comment on Friday about the Newcastle situation, last releasing a statement in October.

"Supercars would like to confirm its commitment to racing in Newcastle in the future, and conversations in that regard are already underway," the statement on October 19 read.

Meanwhile, Tailem Bend outside Adelaide will also not host a round next year, but an endurance race is set to take place at the venue in 2025 for the first time.

"Following discussions with management at The Bend, both parties have agreed that the best outcome is to focus on 2025," Supercars boss Shane Howard said.

"The circuit has produced incredible moments on track since 2018 and is well-suited for Supercars endurance racing.

"We're all excited to see what happens on track when endurance racing debuts at The Bend in 2025."

Announced last month, Supercars' return to New Zealand will be at Taupo on April 19-21 for the third round of the season.

2024 SUPERCARS CALENDAR

1. Bathurst 500, February 23-25

2. Melbourne Supersprint, March 21-24

3. Taupo Super400, April 19-21

4. Perth Supersprint, May 17-19

5. Darwin Triple Crown, June 14-16

6. Townsville 500, July 5-7

7. Sydney Supernight, July 19-21

8. Tasmania Supersprint, August 16-18

9. Sandown 500, September 20-22

10. Bathurst 1000, October 10-13

11. Gold Coast 500, October 25-27

12. Adelaide 500, November 14-17