![\"Doubts](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Supercars-QueenslandRaceway-556.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Queensland Raceway event’s future hangs on a deal being struck. Image: InSyde Media<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Queensland Raceway event’s future hangs on a deal being struck. Image: InSyde Media<\/p>\n
Supercars announced back in May that it will add a new event at Ruapuna, Christchurch, to the schedule<\/a> in 2026, to be run as a double-header with the existing New Zealand fixture at Taupo.<\/p>\n That came with an intention to expand the calendar from 13 to 14 events.<\/p>\n However, any number above 12 relies on Supercars\u2019 owner RACE providing additional payments to teams as per the Teams Racing Charter agreement.<\/p>\n RACE stumped up extra funds this year to expand to 13 events. Doing so kept Sandown on the schedule and ensured a three-event post-Bathurst stretch to create the Finals Series.<\/p>\n The contracted payment is understood to sit at $63,000 per car for each extra event in 2026, leaving RACE to find over $3 million to cover the two rounds \u2013 or convince the teams to take less.<\/p>\n While the team owners are keen to run 14 rounds as part of a common goal to grow the sport, 75 percent would need to agree on any offer below the TRC terms.<\/p>\n Supercars has drafted multiple iterations of its 2026 calendar while the negotiation drags on, leaving Queensland Raceway and Sandown vulnerable should RACE be unable to secure the expansion.<\/p>\n Melbourne\u2019s ageing Sandown venue will host Supercars in November. Image: InSyde Media<\/p>\n Supercars CEO James Warburton has been at the heart of the discussions since recently returning to the role and admits the calendar is currently \u201cup in the air\u201d, with anywhere from 12 to 14 events still possible.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve had good and constant communication with the team owner group and we\u2019re still working through different iterations of the calendar,\u201d Warburton told Speedcafe.<\/p>\n \u201cWe still plan, as we would normally do, to get something out by Bathurst. Nothing has changed, everything has been constructive on both sides, and we\u2019ll see where we land.\u201d<\/p>\n Supercars is unlikely to roll out a 2026 calendar at Bathurst next month unless it has come to an agreement with the teams on the number of rounds.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we need a little bit more time, we\u2019ll take a little bit more time,\u201d Warburton said of the calendar rollout.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a range of options on the table. I don\u2019t know when we will be in a position to finalise them but obviously, everyone is keen to get a resolution sooner rather than later.\u201d<\/p>\n Dropping Ipswich following a much heralded and well-attended return last month would be a puzzling outcome for fans.<\/p>\n Tony Quinn makes 2026 Supercars calendar claim<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n However, the event is one of few that does not currently receive government support, with Queensland already backing the Gold Coast and Townsville street races.<\/p>\n Sandown is understood to be in a similar boat with Victoria\u2019s spend centred on the Australian Grand Prix, where Supercars is a support act to Formula 1.<\/p>\n Warburton said his main aim for next year\u2019s calendar is to ensure a better flow of events through the season.<\/p>\n That will likely include an extra week between the Perth and Darwin rounds. Only one weekend separated them this year, meaning teams sent trucks directly to Darwin.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe thing for us is, regardless of the calendar, we want to work towards the cadence and consistency of racing,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s the main thing for us to work towards.\u201d<\/p>\n The season is expected to kick-off at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 20-22<\/a>, a week after the Supercars-run Bathurst 12 Hour, and run through to a December date for Adelaide.<\/p>\n Date firms for 2026 Supercars season opener<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n Uncertainty over the number of events has held up confirmation of how many rounds will be live with free-to-air partner Seven as part of the new broadcast agreement.<\/a><\/p>\n It also leaves questions over the structure of the Finals Series, which Warburton said may be tweaked following its first running.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s run the Finals this year and review it and see how it goes, see what the reaction to it is,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI personally think it\u2019s fantastic, it\u2019s going to make the championship an entertainment machine, but we\u2019re open to building on it and doing things a slightly different way if we need to.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Supercars-Sandown500-Sun-225-scaled.jpg\")
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