FOR obvious reasons, the social distancing, border closures and other restrictions we've adopted to cope with COVID-19 have played havoc with most of the professional sport and entertainment that had become part and parcel of the modern Australian world.
Supercars were no exception, with the season halted for almost three months midway through 2020's opening race in Melbourne, before a truncated series, won by Kiwi driver Scott McLaughlin, with no Newcastle event.
Newcastle is off the calendar next year, also, but Supercars yesterday confirmed what the Newcastle Herald had predicted a month ago, that the Newcastle East track would be the site for the 2022 season opener, with a date in March yet to be finalised.
For motor sports enthusiasts, the race - with the familiar Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores replaced by Mustangs and General Motors Camaros - will be a long-awaited joy after some 28 months without the Supercars in town.
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Dedicated fans gained extra excitement under the old schedule, knowing the drivers' championship could be decided at Newcastle, the final event for the year. If the race returns as the promised season opener, then there's a different thrill for the audience, and for the drivers and their teams, raring to go after the rest of their summer break.
But for those who oppose the race and its impact on the heritage beachfront and harbourside area of the East End, the return of the chequered flag is an offence they are already vowing not to take lying down.
Supercars came to Newcastle in 2017 on a five-year deal with an option for another five.
City of Newcastle chief executive Jeremy Bath is quoted today as saying the longer-term arrangements will now not be finalised until mid-2022, which implies a decision will be taken after the return-to-Newcastle race.
This was always an event that sharply divided opinion and it's doubtful that many minds will change between now and 2022.
The Newcastle East Residents Group says it has a NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) hearing next Thursday in its attempt to gain key planning documents under the Government Information (Public Access) Act; the GIPA process.
The council, meanwhile, will continue to promote the race as a major tourist attraction for the region.
The tension can only increase as we move closer to decision time for the five-year option.
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