The city’s chances of securing a five-year contract extension with Supercars Australia appears high after record crowds converged on the 2023 Thrifty Newcastle 500.
A combined total of 167,197 people witnessed the three-day event, which saw Shane van Gisbergen (Red Bull Ampol Camaro) claim the honours on Sunday 12 March from Ford’s Chad Mostert (Mobil 1 Optus Mustang).
His victory came less than 24 hours after the two-time defending champion and team-mate Broc Feeney were stripped of their one-two finish on Saturday, with Tickford Racing driver Cam Waters inheriting the win following a protest.
All of this action, according to officials, occurred in front of the highest attendance figure since the inaugural Newcastle 500 in 2017.
NSW Police was also pleased with the overall behaviour of racegoers.
A contingent of general duties officers from Newcastle City Police District and across Northern Region, assisted by specialist police, from the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Operations Support Groups (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Police Transport Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, were involved, too.
Operation Newcastle 500 Commander Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna APM praised attendees and the greater community during the Supercars event.
“We’re pleased to say the vast majority of people were a pleasure to have in the city, with most being respectful towards others at the event,” he stated.
“With minor exceptions, those who attended were well-behaved and cooperated with the directions of police, which allowed for the race and surrounding events to run safely.”
Not everyone was good, though.
About 7pm on Saturday 11 March, police responded to an altercation involving three males.
Officers separated them before two men, aged 21 and 22, were arrested.
The younger male, from Belmont, was issued a court attendance notice for behave in offensive manner in public place and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.
He is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 20 April.
The older man, from Lake Macquarie, was issued a criminal Infringement notice for behave in offensive manner in public place.
An acquaintance of the males, aged 24, was escorted to the police compound and searched, revealing a knife concealed in his clothing.
The man was issued a court attendance notice for custody of knife in public place.
He is due to appear at Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 13 April.
For more Newcastle 500 stories:
- NEWCASTLE 500: van Gisbergen’s late move caps victory in Newcastle
- NEWCASTLE 500: van Gisbergen, Feeney stripped of their one-two finish
- NEWCASTLE 500: Shane van Gisbergen reigns supreme
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