WE’RE BACK!

It’s a new era, and new chapter, and we can’t wait to get 2023 underway around the streets of Newcastle this weekend.

We officially make our Gen3 debut this weekend, and our Ford debut, a weekend we’ve been building towards for a long time.

It’ll be one of the biggest tests on all teams in recent memory, there are a lot of unknowns and question marks, but it’s going to be one heck of a weekend.

Format

We are kicking off the season with two brutal 250km races… a huge test.

Our weekend gets underway with three practice sessions on Friday, that’s one more than usual for this time of year, before we head into a huge weekend.

Both Saturday and Sunday begin with qualifying, before a Top 10 Shootout, before 95 laps around the concrete canyon each afternoon.

The Track

The track itself 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’s an on-edge lap from beginning to end.

Tyres

We are on the Dunlop Super Soft tyre all weekend! How long they last in a race is another question…

Pitstops

With a 250km race comes two compulsory fuel stops throughout. How much fuel you take, and when, will be the big question.

How to Watch

You won’t miss a minute across the four days.

Fox Sports will cover every session live, while Channel 7 have you sorted Saturday and Sunday.

For the full TV guide, please CLICK HERE.

Weather

Temps are in the early 30’s all weekend so it’ll be hot in the kitchen! There may be a bit of rain on the way Sunday, but should miss us… for now.

Nick Percat

“I can’t wait to get underway this weekend, the hours that have gone into getting here from the team are nothing short of incredible, they’ve made some huge sacrifices but the quality of everything they have done is fantastic.

“There are going to be a heck of a lot of unknows, but everyone is in the same boat, we are all starting from zero this weekend, so I’m looking forward to starting the year with some positives.

“Really excited to officially get our Mobil 1 NTI Racing campaign under in the Ford Mustang GT!”

Chaz Mostert

“So awesome to be back in Newcastle, we’ve missed this place, and it’s going to be a really interesting weekend on all fronts that’s for sure.

“The Mobil 1 Optus Racing No. 25 has come up a treat, the crew have been amazing in what they’ve given up to get us here, and they’ve done a fantastic job.

“As for on track, it’s hard to predict what’s going to happen, who’s going to be quick or anything like that, we’ve just got to adapt to whatever is thrown at us.”