 Street Circuit (2017–2019, 2023) | |
| Location | Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 32°55′35.25″S151°47′16.75″E / 32.9264583°S 151.7879861°E /-32.9264583; 151.7879861 |
| FIA Grade | 3 |
| Opened | 24 November 2017; 8 years ago (2017-11-24) |
| Closed | 12 March 2023; 2 years ago (2023-03-12) |
| Major events | Supercars ChampionshipNewcastle 500 (2017–2019, 2023) |
| Street Circuit (2017–2019, 2023) | |
| Length | 2.641 km (1.641 mi) |
| Turns | 14 |
| Race lap record | 1:10.6403 ( David Reynolds,Holden Commodore VF,2017,Supercars) |
TheNewcastle Street Circuit was a temporarystreet circuit around the east end ofNewcastle, New South Wales, Australia. The circuit hosted theNewcastle 500 round of theSupercars Championship in2017,2018,2019 and2023 with the 2020, 2021 and 2022 events cancelled due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.[1] The 14-turn, 2.641 km (1.641 mi) circuit takes in Newcastle Beach and the foreshore around Nobbys Beach Reserve.[2] The Newcastle 500 was last held, with thecouncil deciding not support the event and voting to remove the permanent sections of racetrack.[3]
The circuit began on Wharf Road, heading southwest towards the city. It then turned left at Watt Street, crossing over theNewcastle Light Rail tracks before ascending a 1:22 hill up Watt Street, before again turning left onto Shortland Esplanade 500 m (550 yd) after turn one.[4] Once on Shortland Esplanade, the circuit snaked down the beachside road before reaching a 90° left turn at Zaara Street. This was followed by a 90° right turn onto Scott Street and another 90° left turn onto Parnell Place to the fastest stretch of circuit, Nobbys Road down pastFort Scratchley followed by a left-handed hairpin bend in the Camp Shortland carpark. From there a right-hand turn onto Wharf Road completed the lap.
The originally proposed layout featured a section through Pacific Park and a differently-profiled permanent course in Camp Shortland.[5][6] In 2019, the Camp Shortland hairpin bend was altered to improve overtaking. The corner apex moved to where the outside track limit point was initially situated and the corner radius was tightened, giving drivers a longer and deeper braking zone to complete passes.[7]
Works to prepare the precinct for racing began in July 2017, four months before the first event was held.[8] Significant civil works were undertaken in Foreshore Park to create a pit area, as well as in Camp Shortland and on Nobbys' Road to make the streets suitable for racing. Additional works were undertaken to replace local water and electrical infrastructure, with some services close to a century old.[9]
Two permanent roundabouts were removed to create the circuit, and were reinstalled when the track was decommissioned in 2024.[10]
The circuit attracted criticism from residents within the precinct, mainly citing concerns about noise and a lack of access.[11] Some residents took an extremist view of the event, claiming it would encouragehoon behaviour and comparing themselves to victims of persecution.[12] In March 2017, ahead of civil works to prepare the streets for racing, residents staged a protest resulting in clashes with motorsport fans.[13]
The fastest official race lap records at Newcastle Street Circuit are listed as:[14]
| Class | Time | Driver | Vehicle | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street Circuit: 2.641 km (2017–2019, 2023) | |||||
| Supercars –Gen2 | 1:10.6403 | David Reynolds | Holden Commodore VF | 26 November 2017 | |
| Supercars –Gen3 | 1:12.5355 |  Shane van Gisbergen | Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | 12 March 2023 | |
| Supercars –Project Blueprint | 1:12.9790 | Brodie Kostecki | Ford Falcon FG | 26 November 2017 | |
| Touring Car Masters | 1:17.9460 | Steven Johnson | Ford Mustang Mk.1 Fastback | 11 March 2023 | |
| Aussie Racing Cars | 1:20.8036 | Kel Treseder | Chevrolet Camaro-Yamaha | 24 November 2019 | |
| V8 Utes | 1:24.5471 | Jeremy Gray | Ford Falcon FG Ute | 26 November 2017 | |
| Toyota 86 Series | 1:26.1035 | Declan Fraser | Toyota 86 GR Mk.1 | 24 November 2018 | |
| SuperUtes | 1:29.1969 | Tom Alexander | Isuzu D-Max | 23 November 2019 | |