For the last time this year, we are set to hit the track, and we’re doing it at an all new location.
The streets of Newcastle play host to the ‘finale’ of the 2017 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, and we’re excited to get there.
A new track brings along with it a giant question mark as to what to expect.
Both Scotty and JC have been up there throughout the year to have a look, they have been involved in the design process, watched the virtual laps around the place, but until they head out for the first time on Friday it’s still an unknown.
Everyone is in the same boat though, so it’s going to make for some fascinating viewing.
The track itself is a picturesque street circuit located at the Eastern end of the Newcastle CBD.
It is 2.6km in length and has 12 corners that buzz past the Esplanade, Nobby’s Beach and the Newcastle Harbour.
It’s mixture of uphill and downhill runs along the concrete walls mean it will be an on-edge lap from beginning to end.
To view a virtual onboard lap of Newcastle, CLICK HERE.
To make things even more interesting, the drivers will only have two 40-minute practice sessions on Friday to get their heads around it all before we head into qualifying on Saturday morning.
Like Clipsal at the beginning of the year, we will have two, 250km races across the weekend, one Saturday and one Sunday, on the Super Soft tyre.
As a team, we are still in the hunt to move up a place in the teams’ championship, so that will be a focus of ours going in, while Scott is looking to consolidate 11th in the championship.
Time to send 2017 out on a good note.
JAMES COURTNEY
“Heading to a new track is always exciting and I’ve done well at new circuits in the past.
“I’ve been pretty involved in the construction of this place and have made a few trips there over the year, so it’s great to see it all come together, and everyone really support it.
“The track itself looks great, and will definitely be a challenge so it will be great to get out there on Friday and actually drive on it. It’s going to be really important to get our heads around it as quickly as possible though, there isn’t any time to mess around.
“This year has had its challenges, but it would be great to send it off on the right note, and thank everyone for their support throughout the year.”
SCOTT PYE
“I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while now that’s for sure.”
“We were up there earlier this year for the ticket sale release, and the turn out was incredible, so it’s great to see everyone really get behind the event.
“Locking in 11th in the championship is important this weekend, and pushing the team as high up as possible as well.
“The track looks awesome, it’s definitely going to be fun, but getting our heads around it and dialling the car in as quickly as possible will be vital, especially with just two practice sessions before qualifying on Saturday.”