Cessnock councillor Jay Suvaal raises motion to host a V8 Supercars team for Coates Hire Newcastle 500 in November

Councillor Jay Suvaal requested to contact the Supercars about the hosting one or more teams at Wednesday’s council meeting.

His motion also asked for council to work with the Hunter Valley Wine and Tourism Association, and accommodation, transport and tourism operators to promote Cessnock as a place to stay for the race.

Cr Suvaal said the idea came about when he was looking for opportunities to promote Cessnock.

As an avid Supercars fan the councillor said he believed it would be a good event to take advantage of.

Cr Suvaal said he thought the concept would work after the success council had hosting the Samurai Blue Japanese soccer team for the Asian Cup in 2015.

He said the stay injected $3.5 million into the local economy.

“I’d love to see something like that from [the Supercars],” he said.

Cr Suvaal said the event will attract people from all over Australia and will receive international coverage.

“If we can tap into that it will give a great boost to local tourism,” he said.

Cr Suvaal said it would also be great for motorsport fans to potentially meet the drivers and get autographs and photos.

The motion received overwhelming support from the other councillors, who unanimously passed it.

Councillor Darrin Gray said the event would be a major draw card for the entire Hunter.

“Cessnock should take full advantage of it,” he said.

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