More than 120 guests arrived at the Victor Richardson gates and were greeted by grid girls and a gallery of V8 supercars as well as cars representing each of the race categories on the arena’s playing surface.

Seven sports presenter and launch host Mark Beretta welcomed everyone and announced that the 1-4 March race date restored the Clipsal 500 to its rightful place as the first race in the V8 motorsport calendar.

Unveiling “The race that rocks” theme, the TVC and advertising features V8 supercar drivers, snarling and foot stomping, celebrating the event’s four days of racing and four nights of concerts.

New Premier of South Australia Jay Weatherill acknowledged the efforts of the organisers to create such a successful event. He mentioned that the 2011 Clipsal 500 saw the three millionth race fan attend.

Clipsal by Schneider Electric executive general manager Damien Cummins says that the Clipsal 500 was the “longest and greatest event that we are involved in.”

He mentioned that Clipsal entertains 2000 customers over the race weekend and encouraged more companies from the building industry to participate and support the event.

The Clipsal Grid Girls revealed their new look for the 2012 race, silver foil outfits with Strato switchplate belts, promoting Clipsal’s latest architectural switch design.

New chief executive of the Clipsal 500, Mark Warren described Clipsal as the “best naming rights sponsor in the nation.” He then announced the itinerary for the 2012 event.

Race categories include popular twilight GT racing, Australian GT championships and V8 ute racing. Headline acts will be INXS, Mark Seymour, Living End and Sneaky Sound System. Family entertainment received a major boost with the addition of a “Cars 2, the movie” inspired theme race track, Freestyle Moto stunt team, Route 66 American Classic car experience, and Show’n’ Shine extreme machines display.