Is the Gong willing and able to host V8 Supercar street car racing?

After Wollongong delivered two successful world-class events – cycling and triathlon – in recent years, the question everyone was asking was: “What’s next?”

The answer, it seems, may well be V8 Supercar racing on the streets of central Wollongong.

The story broke in the Sydney media today with reports that the Supercars are searching for a new home after Newcastle Council gave in to growing public pressure and axed the races in 2023.

Council was swayed by a community survey that showed 59% opposed the races continuing. The high costs of setting up the temporary street circuit and disruption to residents and businesses also influenced the Newcastle decision.

The search for a new venue

That left Supercars organisers with a dilemma. Where else is available to showcase the revhead extravaganza?

The Daily Telegraph reports that discussions have taken place between the NSW Government’s tourism arm, Destination NSW, Wollongong City Council and the V8 Supercars organisers.

In a brief statement, Wollongong Council confirmed it has participated in "high level discussions" with Destination NSW and V8 Supercars.

“Events like these include significant investigations and detailed feasibility assessment,” a Council spokesperson said.

“There has been no formal submission or application received from Destination NSW or V8 Supercars.”

Supercars CEO James Warburton is eyeing off two options for the 2028 program. A waterfront street race that would take in Wollongong’s Flagstaff Hill lighthouse, or a race around the Hunter Valley vineyards.

Warburton has put the economic benefit of the now-scrapped Newcastle 500 races as adding about $40 million to the local economy each year, attracting crowds of nearly 200,000 from across the nation.

How keen is Wollongong?

So, is Wollongong ready to pitch and take poll position in a bid to become the nation’s latest home of motor sport?

Destination Wollongong's CEO, Jeremy Wilshire, is being cautious not to get too excited about the potential for the region, but in a statement the city’s lead tourism organisation said: “Clearly an event of the scale of V8 Supercars would present significant tourism and economic opportunities for Wollongong, while also requiring careful consideration of community impact, logistics and overall value.

“What it does highlight is that, following the World Triathlon Championships and the UCI World Road Cycling Championships, Wollongong is increasingly being recognised as a capable and compelling destination for major events,” today's Destination Wollongong statement said.

The fact that the V8 proposal, which is likely to create some controversy, has gone public today has clearly frustrated Greens Ward 2 Councillor Kit Docker. 

"City councillors have not been presented with a proposal for a V8 Supercars event in Wollongong in any level of detail. As such, it’s difficult to comment on something we haven’t been presented," he said.

"It’s disappointing that seemingly these discussions between council and V8 Super cars have been leaked in the media placing pressure on council before we have had any chances to discuss any details including feasibility."

Early support on socials

The early response on social media appears to be supportive of the V8s coming to town.

On Facebook, David Bottin says he’s been advocating for a Wollongong Supercars event for years. “It would be a perfect street circuit with easily the best views in Australia.”

Also on Facebook, Mick McCarthy said: “fingers crossed, this would be awesome.” Leesa Radic said: “oh, this would be amazing. It’s got my vote.” Rob and Rach Mitchell said: “Wollongong needs this.”

Others see significant hurdles ahead. Adam Potter said: “geez, imagine all the whingers that will come out against this.” Guzzi Jack said: “can’t even mention a wind farm 20km out to sea and all the NIMBYs have a heart attack, so no way we are getting a race here.”

19 March 2026: Article udpated