Supercars action at Phillip Island in 2018. Image: Ross Gibb / Speedcafe Archive
The deal first mooted by Speedcafe in May has now been announced by Supercars and the Victorian Government.
It will mark Supercars’ first visit to the seaside Victorian venue since 2019 and effectively act as a replacement event for MotoGP.
Victoria is losing the motorcycle event to Adelaide in 2027, opening the door for Supercars’ return.
The Supercars round is set to be promoted by the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, which also looks after the Formula 1 event at Albert Park.
A deal between the parties locks Phillip Island onto the Supercars calendar through at least 2031.
Supercars Executive Chairman and acting CEO, Barclay Nettlefold, hailed the return of the fabled venue.
“As we celebrate 30 years of Supercars in 2027, it feels incredibly fitting to return to Phillip Island, a circuit that formed part of our championship in 1997 and holds a special place in the history of our sport,” Nettlefold said.
“Phillip Island is an iconic venue that has delivered some memorable moments for Supercars, and we’re incredibly excited to bring the championship back and create a new chapter in that history for our fans, teams and drivers.”
Supercars has a long history at Phillip Island, but abandoned the venue amid struggles to draw a crowd at the remote location, and high track hire costs.
The Victorian Government money and AGPC promotion of the event, though, has brought Supercars back.
Phillip Island joins Albert Park, Darwin, The Bend and Adelaide as rounds for which the championship is paid to turn up and perform, rather being promoted by Supercars itself.
Supercars and the Victorian Government have committed to the deal as the former closes on finalising its 2027 calendar.
There remains uncertainty over whether it will be 12 or 14 events due to ongoing disagreement over proposed changes to the Teams Racing Charter.
Supercars’ owner RACE negotiated a revised payout with a four-man team owner panel elected to represent all teams, enabling a 14-round calendar.
However, five teams rejected that proposal, which will result in a 12-round schedule unless a last-minute compromise is reached.
Phillip Island is expected to take the Finals Series slot currently held by Sandown, run in between the Gold Coast and Adelaide street races.
That move and Adelaide’s transformation into a sweeping, MotoGP-friendly circuit will provide a significantly different Finals challenge for Supercars teams to conquer.
The aging Sandown venue may slot into the schedule earlier in the season, potentially as an additional Enduro Cup event, if the calendar remains at 14 rounds.
Queensland Raceway is expected to lose its place on the calendar regardless, having only rejoined the schedule in 2025.