Supercars - Sydney 500

The Sydney 500 returns to Sydney Motorsport Park for the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship season. This major v8supercars race takes place at the purpose-built circuit in Eastern Creek, Western Sydney, and features the Sprint Cup format. Fans can attend Fan Free Friday, where entry is complimentary, making this event accessible to motorsports fans across the Sydney region.

Sydney Motorsport Park Circuit

Sydney Motorsport Park sits approximately 40 kilometers west of the Sydney CBD in Eastern Creek, New South Wales. The facility opened in November 1990 as Eastern Creek International Raceway and received its current name in May 2012. The circuit features multiple configurations, with the Gardner GP circuit spanning 3.93 kilometers and incorporating 11 corners. The venue includes a 4,000-seat covered grandstand, 52 garages, VIP suites, and a media center. Broadcast-standard lighting installed in 2020 allows for racing after dark.

Sydney Motorsport Park presents a challenging layout for v8supercars competitors. The high-speed Turn 1 demands precision, and the circuit configuration tests both driver skill and vehicle setup. The track surface and corner combinations require careful tire management and strategic decision-making throughout each race session.

V8 Supercars Technical Specifications

The v8supercars competing at the Sydney 500 are purpose-built racing machines based on production car designs. Each vehicle uses a control chassis with front-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. The cars generate approximately 650 horsepower from their V8 engines while running on relatively narrow tires with minimal aerodynamic downforce.

Engine Specifications

Three manufacturers compete in the 2026 championship. Chevrolet Camaro entries feature a 5.7-liter V8 with single camshaft and two valves per cylinder. Ford Mustang competitors run a 5.4-liter V8 with four camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Toyota GR Supra vehicles utilize a 5.2-liter DOHC V8 with four valves per cylinder.

Chassis and Suspension

All v8supercars use double-wishbone front suspension and independent rear suspension. Teams can adjust shock absorbers and anti-roll bars to suit different track conditions. The cars do not feature traction control or ABS, placing greater emphasis on driver ability and mechanical setup.

Participants and Competition

The 2026 Sydney 500 features approximately 25 drivers representing around 11 teams. Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, and Toyota GR Supra entries compete across the field. The 2026 season marks the championship debut of the Toyota GR Supra, introducing a new manufacturer to the v8supercars series. Triple Eight Race Engineering is expected to switch from Chevrolet to Ford for 2026, adding competitive interest to the team and manufacturer battles.

History of Racing in Sydney

Sydney Motorsport Park has hosted Australian Touring Car Championship and Supercars Championship rounds since 1992. The Sydney 500 name was previously associated with a street circuit at Sydney Olympic Park from 2009 to 2016. The event returned to Sydney Motorsport Park in 2018, establishing the permanent circuit as the primary Supercars venue in metropolitan Sydney.

What Makes This Event Special

The 2026 Sydney 500 combines accessible spectator options with top-level v8supercars competition. Fan Free Friday allows newcomers and families to experience the series without ticket costs. The Sprint Cup format delivers multiple races with close competition throughout the weekend. Sydney Motorsport Park provides excellent viewing angles from the grandstand, and spectators can access various viewing areas around the circuit.

The debut of Toyota GR Supra in the championship adds historical significance to this edition. Fans will witness three manufacturers competing on equal terms, with new team alliances creating fresh rivalries. The technical nature of Sydney Motorsport Park rewards skilled drivers and well-prepared teams, often producing close finishes and strategic variety.

Attending the Sydney 500

Sydney Motorsport Park offers multiple ticket options for the Sydney 500, including general admission, grandstand seating, and corporate hospitality packages. Junior and family tickets make the event suitable for all ages. The venue is located within reasonable driving distance from the Sydney CBD, and the circuit facilities include food and beverage outlets, merchandise areas, and comfortable spectator amenities.

The 2026 event promises compelling racing action as teams and drivers compete with new manufacturer lineups. V8supercars racing at Sydney Motorsport Park consistently delivers close battles, with the circuit layout encouraging overtaking opportunities and strategic variation. This race represents a significant moment in the championship calendar for Sydney motorsports fans.