“The Future starts here” is the theme for the next year’s Clipsal 500 event, scheduled for 28 February to 3 March.

More than 2000 of the dearly V8 faithful gathered at the famous hairpin bend of the Adelaide Clipsal 500 circuit to attend the official launch. Waiting for them was news of the new Car of the Future format, two new manufacturers entering the fray, a race extension until 2021 and legendary rock band, KISS named as the after race headline concert act.

The 2013 event, round one of the V8 Supercar championship, will herald a new era for the race category. The new Car of the Future regulations are designed to create a more level playing field for all entrants and also allow for the arrival of non traditional manufacturers, Nissan Motorsport and Mercedes AMG to compete.

Channel 7 Sunrise host, Mark Beretta welcomed everyone and described the race as “Australia’s largest domestic motor sport event.”

Premier Jay Weatherill announced that after negotiations with the V8 Supercar championship, that the event contract has now been extended and locked in until 2021. He said that over the event’s 14 year history that it had generated $350.2 million for the local economy.

V8 Supercar Championship board outgoing chairman Tony Cochrane said the Clipsal 500 was “an extraordinary event.”

“You have made this event your own. It is talked about all over the world and it’s all of you that have made this happen.”

Clipsal by Schneider Electric general manager business development Paul McFarlane says the sponsorship “set the benchmark” for all corporate sponsorships in Australia.

“Our customers, think we own the circuit, the event and the city.”

Race Event organiser Mark Warren, then unleashed the motor sport programme including V8 Supercars, GT Championship , Aussie Racing Cars, Porsche Carrera Cup, Drag racing demonstration and special guest and stunt driver extraordinaire, Ken Block.

The event concerts have proven almost as popular as the race itself. Event organisers have set a new precedent in naming headline acts that include: Hilltop Hoods, The Angels, Ian Moss and star attractions, Motley Crew and KISS.

Club Clipsal Members can soon expect to receive a selection of special race packages to attend the 2013 event. These offer incredible value. Stay tuned for more race details.