V8 Supercars will race at the magnificent Clipsal 500 in Adelaide until at least 2021, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill announced at today's launch of next March's event.

The agreement with the South Australian Motorsport Board will assure the multiple award winning Australian icon would continue well past its twenty-first birthday.

"I am pleased to announce that those negotiations have been successful," Premier Weatherill said.

"The result is that the event is now secure in South Australia for an additional six years, taking its future up to and including a race in 2021.

"We are making a long-term commitment to Australia's greatest motorsport event."

Mr Weatherill officially launched the 2013 Clipsal 500 Adelaide program, which will include rock bands Kiss and Motley Crue performing with the Hilltop Hoods, The Angels and Ian Moss.

The 2013 event will mark the beginning of a new era of V8 Supercars, with Nissan and AMG Mercedes joining the traditional rivalry of Holden and Ford.

"The 2013 Clipsal 500 Adelaide will kick off what is always an exciting time to be in Adelaide," Mr Weatherill said.

Today's launch was attended by V8 Supercar drivers Garth Tander, James Courtney, Rick Kelly, Mark Winterbottom, Will Davision and Tim Slade; as well as V8 Supercar CEO David Malone and former Chairman Tony Cochrane who helped found the Clipsal 500 with then Premier John Olsen.

Mr Malone said the new agreement was a tremendous outcome for the sport which enters its next phase of growth next year with the introduction of the Car of the Future.

"It's fantastic that such an incredible event as Adelaide gets the first opportunity to be part of a new era for V8 Supercars and motorsport in this country," Malone said.

"It's tremendous to see the Premier's passion for the Clipsal event which has been a massive asset for the state of South Australia over many, many years.

"Premier Weatherill shares the incredible commitment and loyalty to the event of all South Australians; and we absolutely love that pride in the event. The Clipsal 500 is a huge economic driver for South Australia, as are all V8 Supercar events around the country."

In other news announced today:

Premier Weatherill announced that the 2012 Clipsal 500 Adelaide created a total spend in the South Australian economy of $55.5m with a new expenditure totalling $34.01m.

Gymkhana sensation and rally driver Ken Block to perform at the event on all four days.
Feature racing categories include Dunlop Series, Australian GT, V8 Utes, Porsche Carrera Cup, and Aussie Racing Cars.

The Australian Defence Force to participate at the event with spectacular flyovers and ground based displays.
The Showtime FMX Freestyle Moto Stunt team and Matt Mingay to perform at the circuit.
Drag racing demonstrations on the circuit.
 
The Route 66 featuring a nostalgic display of fifties and sixties cars, diners, and rock 'n roll music.
ArmorAll Extreme Top 50 Car Show with the best extreme show cars in the country.

The Porsche Kids Driving School operating at the circuit providing educational and educational experience for children.

The Official AFL Footy Fest with children having the opportunity to meet their favourite AFL players, take part in footy clinics, craft activities, face painting, and a spectacular show featuring the 18 official mascots.
New spectator options including the Senna Platform and Turn 8 Platform with casual seating in an alfresco setting.

A twenty per cent (20%) student discount on all Trackside tickets and Grandstand seats in the Barry Sheene Pit Straight facility, section L.

New corporate facilities  with flexible options in the Pit Pavilion, The Adelaide Casino Race Cage, The Dynamite Solutions Senna Club, Trackside Villas and the Coopers Podium Club.

The 2013 Clipsal 500 will be held in Adelaide from February 28 to March 3 next year.