V8s opener to be first under lights

V8 Supercars will race under lights for the first time next year, but Perth is in danger of losing its event for 2010 unless crisis talks on Friday solve a government funding row.

Next year's V8 season opener in Abu Dhabi will be a day-night race - the state-of-the-art track constructed there for this year's Formula One Grand Prix allowing for racing under floodlights.

The V8s will hold two 200km races at the Yas Marina circuit starting in twilight and ending at night from February 18 to 20.

V8 Supercars executive chairman Tony Cochrane says the twilight race will be the perfect way to start the year.

"Fans and spectators are going to get a fantastic show at this amazing new world class circuit," Cochrane said.

"It is the first time that V8 Supercars will race under lights, on Friday and Saturday evenings at the event.

"The phenomenal facilities at Yas Marina are absolutely mind-blowing and the lighting is out of this world."

But closer to home, the V8s are threatening to walk away from Western Australia from next year unless the state government commits to a major redevelopment of the historic Barbagallo Raceway in Perth.

On the eve of this weekend's V8 racing in Perth, the WA government has earmarked $A5 million ($NZ6.33 million) towards upgrading the track surface and safety fencing for 2010.

However, Cochrane said the entire complex was "sub-standard" and $A5m was not enough to make the track and facilities safe for drivers, pit crews and spectators.

The WA government had been discussing a $A50m total redevelopment of Barbagallo, but have since put those plans on hold indefinitely.

Cochrane wants that commitment honoured before the V8 consider racing again in WA and will meet with Sports Minister Terry Waldron in Perth on Friday for crisis talks.

"If not, this will be our last year until the facilities meet the necessary occupational health and safety requirements for the V8 Supercar championship," Cochrane said.

Leading Ford driver Steven Richards said more money needed to be spent on upgrading Barbagallo - a track which is popular with drivers because of its speed and unique cornering.

"Five million dollars is a short term fix. There still needs to be a lot more done to improve the event for fans," Richards said.

"We need to be looking at the long-term prospects of where V8s are going to be in WA."

Practice for this weekend's V8 races starts at Barbagallo on Friday.

- AAP