Clipsal to continue as V8 opener.

South Australia deputy premier Kevin Foley has announced that next year's Clipsal 500 Adelaide has been scheduled for 19-22 March, and will again be the first round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

Foley described the timing as a good fit with other cultural and sporting events scheduled for the traditionally busy March period, and should ensure that the event enjoys the best of Adelaide's weather.

"The 2009 event will also be the first to make use of the new state-of-the-art temporary buildings being constructed on the Victoria Park site," he noted, "What South Australia is getting here is the most technically advanced temporary buildings available anywhere in the world. They are of the highest quality and cutting edge design. The pit pavilion will be energy efficient, use naturally finished materials and will be low maintenance.

"The experience for the race fans will also be vastly improved with the construction of eight new shade structures to provide sun protection and comfort for the 24,000 spectators in those stands."

Event chief executive Andrew Daniels says that, following on from the outstanding success of the tenth event held in February this year, plans for the 2009 event were already extremely well advanced.

"The [South Australian Motor Sport Board] and the management team have already completed a highly successful all day planning session and major contracts in relation to the new temporary facility and shade for the grandstands are in place," he said.

The event will continue to have four on-circuit concert, while the 'Murray Walker's Extreme Machines' exotic car display will also be continued. In addition, the Board is also planning other innovations for next year that will ensure the Clipsal 500 Adelaide will remain the pre-eminent motor racing carnival in Australia.

The rest of the V8 calendar is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.