The 2022 Repco Supercars Championship will officially begin on the streets of Newcastle on the weekend of 4-6 March.

Next year’s event on the picturesque street circuit will mark Supercars’ return to Newcastle for the first time since the 2019 season finale.

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said it was great news to have the Newcastle dates set for one of the sport’s flagship events.

“We’re thrilled to have locked in our 2022 Championship opener as a return to the stunning Newcastle Street Circuit,” Seamer said.

“The spectacular shots of Supercars racing on the CBD street circuit have become images that are embedded into the minds of tens of millions of motor racing fans around the world.

“Newcastle has established itself as one of the most popular stops on the Supercars calendar with both fans and drivers and we look forward to seeing as many familiar faces as possible trackside in March.”

NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said motorsport was an important part of the state’s sporting, cultural and economic landscape.

“The NSW Government is thrilled to support the 2022 Championship season opener in Newcastle, reconnecting event goers with the stunning Newcastle coastline and the high-octane action on track, while ensuring local businesses benefit from the economic boost that comes with staging this major event,” Minister Ayres said.

“Newcastle provides a unique backdrop for the event with some of the best beaches in Australia, as well as warm hospitality and a great variety of restaurants, bars and accommodation, making it the place to be next March.”

City of Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the confirmation of the event date provides certainty to local residents and businesses.

“Newcastle and the Hunter enjoy a huge racing supporter base and I’m confident they will love the promotion to the season opener and will continue to pour into the city for the three days in massive numbers,” Ms Nelmes said.

“This is a welcome announcement for our residents and businesses which confirms that the Christmas and January holidays will be unaffected by work on the circuit.

“This timing ensures residents will have no issue accessing our pristine beaches and parks throughout November, December and all of January.

“Businesses can now prepare for the busy period of trading over the summer holidays through to February, with another boost in the first week of March when more than 150,000 racing fans flood the east end and Foreshore.”

Supercars will be working closely with health authorities around COVID-safe measures and Public Health Order requirements to ensure the safety of all staff and patrons attending the event. All teams and officials will follow appropriate health guidelines for the event.

The Newcastle 500 is the only event of the 2022 season to have a confirmed date. Further details regarding the full calendar will be released over coming weeks.

Ticketing, broadcast details, support categories and entertainment for the event will be announced in due course.