Adelaide 500 - Preview
The 2024 VAILO Adelaide 500, held from 14-17 November, marks the final round of this year’s Supercars Championship. Set on the iconic Adelaide Street Circuit in South Australia, this four-day event promises high-energy competition with two 250-kilometre main races on Saturday and Sunday, each covering 78 laps. As drivers tackle the challenging city streets, the Adelaide 500 offers an exhilarating finale to the season in a circuit known for its technical demands and vibrant atmosphere.
TRACK OVERVIEW
The Adelaide Street Circuit, located in Victoria Park near Adelaide’s CBD, is a unique and historic racing venue that combines public roads with dedicated track sections for a thrilling urban racing experience. This temporary 3.219-kilometre (around 2-mile) circuit is assembled annually in the East Parklands, allowing the city to host one of the most anticipated events on the Supercars calendar before it is dismantled post-race.
With an anti-clockwise layout, the track features 14 turns that challenge drivers with a mix of fast straights, sharp turns, narrow passages, and high kerbs. Reaching top speeds of around 270 km/h on the longest straight, the circuit demands precision and skill. Its tight configurations and limited overtaking spots make it not only physically demanding for drivers but also strategically complex.
First opened for racing in 1985 as a Formula 1 venue, the Adelaide Street Circuit hosted the Australian Grand Prix until 1995, peaking with crowds of over 200,000. The circuit was reintroduced in 1999 as the home of the Adelaide 500 Supercars event, which has since become a staple in the series, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and intense competition. The combination of speed, skill, and cityscape makes it an iconic and fitting location to conclude the 2024 Supercars Championship season.
KEY SESSIONS
- Qualifying Race 23 – 17:30 Friday ACDT
- Top Ten Shootout Race 23 – 12:35 Saturday ACDT
- Race 23 – 15:20 Saturday ACDT
- Qualifying Race 24 – 10:20 Sunday ACDT
- Top Ten Shootout Race 24 – 12:35 Sunday ACDT
- Race 24 – 15:15 Sunday ACDT
MAIN GAME TEAM INSIGHTS
The momentum at the back end of the season has been strong for the team, with great results at each round and both cars consistently in the mix for podiums. Last year, we captured a double podium on Saturday here in Adelaide, and with that history in mind, the team is looking forward to the weekend and is keen to replicate past success. The whole team is feeling confident and fully charged for this weekend—it’s an incredible event that Adelaide hosts, and everyone is ready to get stuck in.
With the unique four-day race weekend format, we’ll have plenty of track time to dial in the best possible setup, optimising our chances for qualifying and race day. Adelaide's city circuit offers a demanding yet exhilarating setting, and we’re looking to finish the season on a high, capitalising on our strong pace and refined setups from recent rounds.
DUNLOP SUPER 2 SERIES
As the Dunlop Super2 Series reaches its sixth and final round in Adelaide, Tickford Racing is fully focused on closing out the season on a high. The event schedule spans four days, giving drivers a more strategic layout with two qualifying sessions on Friday, followed by races on both Saturday and Sunday. Each of Tickford’s drivers is eager to make the most of this pivotal round.
Brad Vaughan, currently in 6th place in the championship, faces a busy weekend as he takes on double duty, competing in Wingless Sprints at the speedway on Thursday and Friday nights. Despite the extra challenge, Brad is fully committed to finishing his Super2 season on a strong note with the team.
Rylan Gray, sitting in 8th in the standings, comes off an outstanding round at Bathurst where he claimed the round win. He has spent the time between Bathurst and Adelaide sharpening his skills in a GT4 car, and he’s keen to carry that momentum into Adelaide with another strong performance.
Lochie Dalton, positioned 9th in the championship, has also used the break to gain vital seat time in a GT4 car. Focused on a clean weekend, Lochie is looking to secure solid points to end the season on a positive note.
With the 2024 championship coming to an end, Tickford Racing is prepared to take on the unique challenges of the Adelaide circuit, aiming to conclude the year with strong performances from all three drivers.
HOW TO WATCH
International race fans can stream every session of the VAILO Adelaide 500 on SuperView.
Viewers can stream every practice, qualifying session and race of the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship with no ad-breaks in racing on Kayo Sports. Every session of the Repco Supercars Championship is broadcast live in high definition on Foxtel.
The Seven Network and 7plus will show live coverage of the Saturday and Sunday of the VAILO Adelaide 500. Check local guides.
New Zealand viewers can watch on Sky Sport live in HD.
SEN (Sports Entertainment Network) will also broadcast the Sunday action live.
