Record audiences have tuned in and turned out to watch the Shannons SpeedSeries across the first four events of the 2023 season.

Substantial increases in broadcast audiences on Stan Sport and the Nine Network have been matched by attendance growth across the four rounds held so far, in Tasmania and at Bathurst, Phillip Island and Winton, respectively. 

Meanwhile, record digital engagement across social media channels has helped grow the online presence of both the SpeedSeries itself as well as the participating categories. 

Broadcast Partner Stan Sport has seen more than 13.5 million minutes streamed live across the three events so far, an increase of more than 20% across the same period last year. 

Growth highlights included AWC Race Tasmania’s audience growing by 31%, Phillip Island by 21% and the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour’s audience growing 17% compared to 2022. The Winton event was held for the first time this year. 

On-demand viewing on Stan Sport has increased by 31% year on year as fans catch up with the racing post-event at their leisure. More than half a million people have watched the action internationally via the Shannons SpeedSeries' international streaming product, an increase of 43% year on year.  
 

Meanwhile, the four rounds have drawn a total audience reach of more than 860,000 on free-to-air TV via the Nine Network to date this year.

Attendance has grown significantly with more than 55,000 people turning out across the three events, with both AWC Race Tasmania (11,616) and Phillip Island (17,271) posting record numbers, and every event attracting attendances of over 10,000 people so far. 

Social media metrics have also grown significantly, with ever-expanding reach across the SpeedSeries and category digital channels on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

More than 1.5 million digital video views have been recorded to date this year, with digital accounts reaching 3.75 million people in the first half of 2023 – both significant increases on 2022. 

Motorsport Australia, Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations, Michael Smith was overly pleased with the increase of interest surrounding the Shannons SpeedSeries. 

"We are thrilled with the success of the 2023 Shannons SpeedSeries events and the strong growth of the series both at the tracks and the fans watching at home through the Stan Sport and 9Gem coverage," Smith said.

"At the start of this year, we knew the unified Shannons SpeedSeries product had significant potential and it is certainly delivering on that potential.

"The events have featured plenty of exciting racing across a range of different categories, with some great title races well and truly underway.

"With a big finish to the year ahead, we can't wait to deliver even more exciting events, including the exciting back-to-back TCR World Tour events at Sydney Motorsport Park and the Supercheap Bathurst International."

Australian Racing Group, Chief Operations Officer, Liam Curkpatrick echoed Smith’s comments. 

"The strength of the 2023 Shannons SpeedSeries events is certainly pleasing to see," Curkpatrick added.

"Seeing the strong growth across television audiences, at event attendance and social media is terrific news for our competitors, categories, partners and fans who make these events possible.

"This year has started off strongly, and with a bumper calendar for the remainder of 2023, including the two rounds of the TCR World Tour in November, we know the second half of our racing season is going to be just as exciting."

The next round of the Shannons SpeedSeries will see key categories return to Queensland Raceway in Ipswich on 11-13 August.  

Stan Sport will cover the action live, ad-break free and on demand on Saturday and Sunday, with live coverage on 9Gem on Saturday afternoon between 2-5pm. 

Tickets are on sale now via motorsportickets.com.au