Some inside the track, notably the three pubs, were doing a brisk trade on Friday, despite what appeared to be a smaller race crowd than last year. 

The Great Northern Hotel was busy from mid-morning, and The Grain Store and Customs House were also crowded.

The Newcastle Herald spoke to about 10 eatery owners inside the circuit, all but one of whom said turnover was either the same or down on a normal Friday. 

Royal Day Spa was serving sandwiches instead of serenity, and Salt Hair salon was shut.

Some traders outside the track will close on Saturday and Sunday after learning from last year's event.

Peter James, the owner of the popular Blue Door cafe in Wheeler Place, will shut up shop this weekend.

"Last year was the quietest weekend Blue Door has ever had," he said.

"It's great for Newcastle and tourism, but not for businesses outside the track.

"We are using the weekend to repaint and give our staff a break."

The Herald has spoken to other cafe owners outside the track who will close this weekend.

Newcastle City Council, Newcastle Now, Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and Supercars have worked together to try to spread the love beyond the race precinct.

A driver parade and autograph session drew about 5000 people to Beaumont Street, Hamilton, and nearby Gregson Park on Thursday evening, according to the business chamber.

The council’s Entertain Newcastle promotion included a breakfast prepared by nearby cafes in Market Street on Friday morning and live music and late-night trading in Darby Street that night.

Other events on the program include a family fun zone in Civic Park and a Newcastle Now technology display in the Hunter Street Mall.

Supercars also hopes staging its Simple Minds concert at No.1 Sportsground will draw fans into businesses away from the track.

But it is unclear whether these events will be enough to convince the business community the race is the goldmine they were promised.