Clipsal 500 Announces the Return of Stadium Super Trucks in 2016

ADELAIDE, South Australia (April 16, 2015) – South Australian Minister for Tourism, Leon Bignell, today announced American racing icon and off-road racing star, Robby Gordon will return to South Australia with his popular Stadium Super Trucks for the Toyo Tires SST race at the 2016 Clipsal 500 Adelaide.

The Australian debut of the Stadium Super Trucks was an overwhelming success for Clipsal 500 Adelaide race organizers with crowds packing the grandstands to see the V8-powered trucks fly around the Adelaide street circuit.

In 2016, the field will increase from 10 to 12 trucks with an equal share of American and Australian drivers.

Australian Stuntman, Matt Mingay, who finished an impressive fourth overall in his Stadium Super Trucks debut, will again be joined on the grid in 2016 with off-road motorcycle star Toby Price as they attempt to secure the first-ever race win by an Australian.

Gordon and teenage sensation Sheldon Creed won’t be making it easy for the Australians. Their fast-flying finish to the final race made highlight reels all over the world, with Creed tumbling across the finish line in third place after ending up on his roof following a dogged battle with Gordon.

South Australian Tourism Minister Leon Bignell said it was a maor coup for the Clipsal 500 Adelaide organizers.

“The trucks were a huge hit and race fans were literally out of their seats watching them slide around the track and fly through the air,” Mr Bignell said.

“In 2016 it will be even easier to see thanks to major infrastructure upgrades including bigger grandstand seating and new super screens.

“I am very pleased to welcome Robby and his team back. This is a major coup for Clipsal 500 and South Australia,” Mr Bignell said.

Gordon said he was already looking forward to next year’s Clipsal 500 Adelaide.

“The race track and the facility in Adelaide is one of the finest temporary circuits I’ve ever seen in my life. The atmosphere was amazing and I know a lot of the U.S. guys are excited about coming back to race at the Clipsal 500 next year.

“I knew we had a really exciting product but for it to build this quickly and in another country in only our third year is unbelievable. Next year is going to be even bigger and better – we’re already planning to bring out more trucks,” Gordon said.

Toyo Tires have signed on again as naming rights sponsor of the Stadium Super Trucks race in Adelaide after the overwhelming success of the 2015 Clipsal 500 Adelaide. The tire maker’s Open Country A/T II is the spec tire for the international series.

Toyo Tires & Rubber Australia Limited CEO & managing director Michael Rudd said it is an exciting prospect to be a part of the series and its second visit to Australia.

“Not many motorsports push tyres as hard as Stadium Super Trucks. The series is rapidly gaining a profile, every round has spectators pressed up against the fence,” Mr Rudd said.

“The rigours of SST and the skills of the globally renowned drivers are a perfect showcase for the Open Country tires toughness and resilience. A set of tires will last teams multiple race weekends, despite the punishment, SST truly demonstrates that Toyo Tires are Driven to Perform,” he said.