The Herald can reveal that an application to bring an alcohol-free car event to Cessnock will be lodged with Cessnock City Council in the next few weeks, potentially making the region home to one of the country's biggest motorsport events.

The proposed Street Machine magazine Autofest would run at Cessnock Airport in late October, with crowds of up to 6000.

Event promoter Mark Arblaster said the Hunter was a perfect venue for a major car show.

"Newcastle and that area has the strongest car culture demographic of anywhere in Australia," Mr Arblaster said.

"We'd like to focus on building something big here because we can see the growth potential."

"If we were pulling eight or nine thousand in three years, it'd rank among the top four events in the country."

Mr Arblaster estimated revenue from accommodation, food and repeat visitors could be "pushing into the millions" if the event grew.

Newcastle Sporting Car Club president David McNeill welcomed Autofest, claiming it could meet demand within the region and bring new visitors.

But Central Hunter police have opposed the plan, saying it contradicts safe driving messages they are striving to promote in the area.

Cessnock Mayor Alison Davey declined to comment until the application was lodged with the council.