In an entertainment coup, V8 Supercars Australia has confirmed the country’s most successful rock band, Cold Chisel, will re-unite for a special one show only concert event at the much anticipated Sydney Telstra 500, on Saturday 5 December.

The announcement cements the Sydney Telstra 500 as Sydney’s biggest sporting and entertainment event for 2009, with the three-day entertainment spectacular at Sydney Olympic Park offering the best touring car racing on show by day and a celebration of iconic Australian music by night.

Rock legend and Cold Chisel singer Jimmy Barnes said that this was an opportunity the band could not pass up.

"Cold Chisel is the best band I have ever played with. No matter when we get together sparks fly and something beautiful happens. The band has always been a huge part of my life and I know that when we play, the house will rock. I can't wait to get in front of The V8 crowd and cut loose. Bring it on."

Co-rock legend and guitar player/singer Ian Moss added:"For me it’s a great opportunity to rip into a catalogue of great songs with a bunch of guys that know how to rock, every time they get on stage!!"

A first year crowd of 150,000 people is expected to attend the Sydney Telstra 500 across the three days of racing and two nights of four-hour concert entertainment.

The Friday evening concert after the race line up includes performances by Australia’s hottest dance music sensations The Presets, Sneaky Sound System and The Potbelleez.

The Saturday evening concert entertainment will rock Olympic Park, featuring a night of headlining performances from punk rockers the Living End and post-grunge band Grinspoon, and ending with the one-off hit after hit not to missed concert by Cold Chisel.

Providing excellent value for money the Friday and Saturday night concerts are included in the price of a Sydney Telstra 500 day ticket. Friday event tickets start from $48.00, and Saturday from $76.00, and include a full day of diverse on-track entertainment, championship V8 Supercar racing, entry to night concerts and free public transport to and from the event.

V8 Supercars Australia Executive Chairman Tony Cochrane said the Sydney Telstra 500 is the signature event of the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series calendar.

“Sydney Olympic Park is tailor made as an entertainment and events precinct, with the Sydney Telstra 500 turning the area into a showcase street circuit and concert venue,” Mr Cochrane said

“Not since the 2000 Sydney Olympics has the space been used to such a large-scale, offering a world class entertainment package that is incredibly affordable and provides a full day and night of entertainment.

“To secure Cold Chisel, undoubtedly Australia’s most influential rock band, to come together for a special one-off performance is a huge coup for V8 Supercar fans and Sydney event goers and stamps the Sydney Telstra 500 as an event not to be missed by race and music fans from around the country.”

The Sydney Telstra 500 is Sydney’s first ever street race, and the dramatic conclusion to the V8 Supercar season, where the 2009 Series Champion will be determined.

The event will be televised live throughout Australia and New Zealand as well broadcast to 110 countries and 800 million homes internationally.