Supercars can confirm the date of the 2022 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour event has been shifted to 13-15 May.
Originally announced to run 25-27 February, Supercars, Destination NSW, Bathurst Regional Council, ARG, Motorsport Australia and SRO Motorsports Group have all agreed the new date is better suited given current concerns with COVID and quarantine regulations for international competitors.
The latter will also comprise the majority of entries competing for Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli points.
Supercars Chief Operating Officer Shane Howard said: “This is the best outcome for the event under the current circumstances.
“This new date alleviates pressure on international competitors and freight operators as well as Marshals, Officials and Volunteers who play a critical role in the success of the event every year.
“We have worked closely with Destination NSW, SRO Motorsports Group, Bathurst Regional Council, Motorsport Australia, ARG and our broadcasters to ensure this date will ensure the best outcomes for all involved and the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.
“As we’ve seen, a number of high-profile teams have already committed to attending and we look forward to seeing more international competitors announce their inclusion leading into May’s new date.
“This is a win for fans who have been keen to see this event return to the Australian motorsport calendar for the last two years.”
Minister for Tourism and Sport Stuart Ayres said: “The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour is a signature event on the NSW motorsports calendar that provides a great boost to the visitor economy of the Central West, so I am delighted it is still going ahead this year.
“I commend the determination and resilience of the event organisers in light of current challenges and thank all stakeholders for their cooperation to ensure competitors and spectators get to experience this great event at the iconic Mt Panorama circuit.
“We will continue to support their efforts to deliver a safe, successful and spectacular event.”
Bathurst Regional Council Mayor Robert Taylor said this was fantastic news and he was looking forward to welcoming the international teams to Bathurst.
“The world-wide exposure of the race builds on Mt Panorama’s excellent reputation as one of the world’s finest motor racing circuits and puts Bathurst firmly in the international spotlight,” he said.
Stephane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO said:
“It was imperative that Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli returned to Bathurst this year, and the new May date ensures the race can go ahead without any lingering Omicron restrictions.
“I applaud Supercars’ commitment to finding an alternative weekend during their busy domestic schedule and their efforts in general to stage the race.
“The Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS calendar will also be rejigged to accommodate Bathurst’s change, which helps us to maintain a strong national presence.
“I am sure that some of these local entries will also receive IGTC nominations – a cornerstone of the championship’s original philosophy.”
The 2020 event was one of the final international events held in Australia prior to the onset of the covid pandemic.
Famous British brand Bentley took the biggest win in its GT racing history in that event.
Millions watched the 2020 race unfold on the Seven Network and Fox Sports around Australia, with millions more tuning in via the event’s international stream.
Tickets for the 2022 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour go on sale next Monday, 17th January at 11am AEST through Ticketek.
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