Supercars calendar delayed until post-Sandown

While traditionally revealed in the lead-up to the opening endurance race of the season, Supercars today put out a statement confirming that the new schedule will have to wait until after the 500-kay race, citing that it is still “finalising a number of agreements” as the reason.

"We have made an effort to release the draft calendar before Sandown each year, but we are still finalising a number of agreements as well as still waiting on confirmation of dates for next year's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne which obviously has a material effect on the early part of the season,” said Supercars CEO James Warburton.

"Once we have these dates and finalise other sanction agreements we will release the full calendar for our teams and fans before the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.”

Warburton also hinted that the rumoured Asian expansion is unlikely to play its part in the 2017 calendar, as well as confirming that the Kuala Lumpur street race will also not be included.

“Our plans to expand in Asia are taking shape, but as we have said many times it will not be at the expense of local events which are crucial for our fans,” he added.

“In Asia it is about getting it right and making sure our events are enduring and not one-offs. We now have three long-term contracts in place including Kuala Lumpur but the new signings don’t commence before 2018 and the legal situation in KL means that race will be delayed again in 2017.

“We are also excited to hopefully welcome Tailem Bend in South Australia to the Calendar in 2018.”