That’s the message that Maitland Councillor and Newcastle Supercar Supporters Club chairman Mitchell Griffin is spreading ahead of this weekend’s mega race.

Cr Griffin wants the sizable Maitland contingent travelling to the motor sport spectacular to leave their cars at home and use public transport, which will be free to those with tickets to the event.

With more than 150,000 expected to flock to Newcastle this weekend, Cr Griffin implored Lower Hunter residents to hop on board a train from Maitland, Metford or Thornton. 

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The self-confessed rev-head racing fan said the event would have benefits for the entire region.

“I’ve been writing to government ministers for 15 years trying to encourage something like this to the Hunter,” he said. 

He’s confident that the positive impacts of the race will stretch out to Maitland. 

“There’s a good chance you’ll see Maitland at capacity,” he said.

Cr Griffin co-founded the supporters club in July last year. 

A Facebook group spawned alongside the group has exploded in popularity, with 12,000 members joining since its inception. 

“We’ve seen a lot of interest in the event with it drawing closer. There’s plenty of people getting into the club,” he said. 

Cr Griffin’s travel views have been echoed by the NSW Police, with Northern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell, urging revelers to plan out their trip to the event and make smart choices.

“Police will be out in force targeting speeding, drink-driving, mobile phone and seat-belt offences,” the Assistant Commissioner said of the roads, while officers on foot will keep an eye on anti-social behavior over the weekend.