The NRL’s biggest ground has undergone an extraordinary transformation in the midst of footy’s opening round for 2025, with Accor Stadium repurposed as a high-octane motorsport venue.
The makeover is so severe that the stadium will not host any NRL matches until round four in late March.
Thousands of tonnes of material have been delivered to construct a one kilometre asphalt racing track, complete with a jump and an underpass.
This dramatic overhaul sets the stage for the Race Of Champions, where renowned drivers from Formula 1, Rally, NASCAR, V8 Supercars and beyond will battle for supremacy.
Among the star competitors are Sebastian Vettel, Mick Schumacher, Valtteri Bottas, Jamie Whincup, Will Brown, Molly Taylor and Toby Price, all ready to tear up the unique new circuit.
Race Of Champions president and co-founder Fredrik Johnsson has hyped the transformation, saying, ‘you’ve never seen a stadium like this’.
Work crews worked furiously to transform Accor Stadium into a race track for the event
The construction crew had just a few days to turn the footy field into a full-fledged race circuit
The completed circuit will be demolished afterwards, but the NRL field will not be ready until round four
‘It’s a much better experience for the fans, obviously you can see every instant of the action from every seat in the stadium,’ he said.
‘You get closer to the course and the stars than at any traditional motor racing circuit.
‘It feels really good to be back in the stadium, especially such a great stadium as Accor Stadium.’
More than 100 workers have laboured tirelessly to safeguard the field with geofabric, timber panels, crushed gravel and asphalt while retaining the turf underneath.
Johnsson praised the venue’s infrastructure, noting that ample space and well-sorted loading areas allowed organisers to shift over 4000 tonnes of material into place rapidly.
Once complete, the two-lane track will pit drivers head-to-head in a tight, technical contest designed to highlight pure skill.
On Friday night, teams will join forces in the Nations’ Cup, then on Saturday, drivers will compete individually for the coveted ‘Champion of Champions’ title.
Team Australia is well-represented by Supercars legends Jamie Whincup, Will Brown, as well as off-road superstars Molly Taylor and Toby Price.
Accor’s new look is a million miles from how it appeared for the 2024 grand final (pictured)
V8 Supercars legend Jamie Whincup will spearhead the Australian team at the event
Valtteri Bottas of Finland will bring plenty of flair and entertainment to the race at Accor Stadium
Team Germany unites four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel with former F1 driver Mick Schumacher, while Team Finland relies on Valtteri Bottas and Heikki Kovalainen.
The lineup also includes Travis Pastrana and Kurt Busch for Team USA, Sébastien Loeb and Victor Martins for Team France, plus multiple rally, NASCAR and rallycross icons.
Drivers will cycle through six different vehicles such as the Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ, KTM X-Bow Comp R and Polaris RZR Pro R to ensure a level playing field.
Layers of geofabric, wooden boards, gravel road base and asphalt protect the stadium’s grass, which has a 300mm height variation for drainage.
Contractors have had just a few days to accomplish this mammoth task in time for practice laps and media sessions.
Stephen Saunders, Group General Manager Venues New South Wales, said, ‘Race Of Champions is the most unique event we have ever hosted at Accor Stadium.
It has been truly amazing to see the transformation of our stadium into a world class motor racing circuit.’
Logistical hurdles, including temporary road closures due to concerts at nearby Qudos Bank Arena, threatened to slow deliveries.
German Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel has come out of retirement to race in the event
Mick Schumacher will also bring his famous family name to the Race of Champions in Sydney
Still, Johnsson maintained the team’s mantra that ‘there are no problems, only solutions,’ pushing the build to completion.
John Modystach, Prosurv Director and Head of ROC Australian construction, said, ‘It has been a lot of work, my team and group of local suppliers have done a amazing job, we are delighted with the result so far.’
‘The heavy work is done, but now we just need to put the finishing touches on this unique project.
‘I think the fans are going to love the venue and the chance to see some of these superstars in action at Accor Stadium.’
Once the Race Of Champions concludes this weekend, work crews will begin demolition almost immediately.
Fresh turf will then be laid ahead of the stadium’s opening NRL clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Penrith Panthers on 27 March.
