Supercars Take First Steps Towards Sydney Night Race

Sydney Night Test

Supercars has staged a successful lighting test at Sydney Motorsport Park and will progress with plans for a race under lights in 2018.

Drivers Fabian Coulthard, Simona de Silvestro and Alex Davison took part in the Harvey Norman Nissan Altima, Shell V-Power Racing Falcon and Vodafone Safety Car across three locations at the circuit.

Several formats and light combinations were used across the three-hour test which was watched eagerly by race teams and officials.

“As we imagined, the cars under lights looked absolutely spectacular," Supercars CEO James Warburton said.

“We are very fortunate to have absolute professionals in Supercars Media and our teams, represented by Shell V-Power Racing and Team Harvey Norman, with a special thanks to Fabian, Simona and Alex.

“There was a real buzz with the test, and no doubt we have moved further towards achieving the goal. The test did, however, show we have a fair way to go, but we are determined to keep progressing."

Coulthard said the lit sections of the circuit showed a lot of promise.

“The areas where it was lit up were awesome," Coulthard said.

“We could have a few less shadows, but I think for the purpose of the experiment it was definitely worthwhile. It’s a new spectacle and it’s a great circuit to do it.

“It’s good viewing for the fans and I think the cars look fantastic under lights. I think it (a night race) will be a great spectacle."

De Silvestro agreed: “Once you’re under the lights it doesn’t really feel that different, it feels day-ish under the lights. The lighting overall was pretty good. The biggest issue was the brake markers, and you could only see them really late. But that is a pretty easy fix. Other than that, it was really enjoyable."

Supercars Media will evaluate the initial test before deciding next steps towards a potential Sydney night race next year.