East End residents remain staunch in their argument it is the right race in the wrong place, that its action veers too close to the historic district's heritage properties and the lengthy set-up period poses inordinate challenges to their daily lives well beyond race days.

This year, following a crash earlier in the competition, residents have also raised earlier fears that the track poses a risk to spectators, pointing to a 2017 incident at Newcastle's inaugural race when a dislodged tyre injured two spectators.

The group's efforts have revealed many details of past events, including a services deed and some of its requirements of the council exposed under freedom of information laws.

On the other side of the fence, sometimes literally, there are also the race fans who line the track to eagerly watch a spectacle that inarguably transforms the picturesque peninsula into an entirely unique setting for motor sport.

Traders in the city have also reported mixed fortunes when the event rumbles into town.

Darby Street traders told the Newcastle Herald differing tales of how the race affected their businesses last year.

Against that, the Newcastle Airport says it has broken passenger records on the previous two Supercars' weekends and most of the beds are booked at the city's hotels and motels. And whatever your view on the event, there is no question that this beautiful city looks nothing short of spectacular in the televised coverage.

Last year, lord mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the three-day event cast the city in its best light.

"Businesses and Novocastrians have outdone themselves welcoming visitors and showing them a good time," she said after Scott McLaughlin's 2018 win.

"The world has been watching."

As the city speeds past the half-way mark of its five-year commitment, attention will soon turn to the future of the race and whether all parties will renew the agreement.

That debate will come. For now, good luck to the drivers, their teams and the fans for a safe and enjoyable weekend.