The inaugural Bathurst International has been confirmed with Australian Racing Group (ARG) locking in the last weekend of November as the official date.
Taking place at Mount Panorama, the event will see the return of globally recognised racing to the iconic home of motorsport in Australia, with the TCR Bathurst 500 to headline the categories.
In what will be a first for TCR in Australia, the endurance race will include a two driver set up with teams from around the world expected to compete in the race.
The exciting S5000 cars will also enjoy its debut mountain experience as they run at Bathurst for the first time ever, while American Trans Am cars such as Mustangs, Chevrolet Camaros and Dodge Challenger will fight it out over 100km of race action in the debut ‘Trans Am 100’.
As the American muscle cars are pitted against each other over 100km, the classy European manufacturers of Audi, Ferrari, Mercedes and Porsche will do battle in the three-hour Motorsport Australia GT Endurance Championship race– a fitting way to cap off the year for the category.
Rounding out the impressive list of confirmed categories making up the jam packed weekend will be the Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters, which concludes its 2021 season on one of the biggest stages in Australia.
With one more national category still expected to join the event, Australian Racing Group CEO Matt Braid was excited to finally lock in the date for the Bathurst International.
“The Australian Racing Group and Bathurst Regional Council is thrilled to confirm the date for the inaugural Bathurst International,” Braid said.
“The late November date will make this event not only a jewel in the Australian motorsport calendar, but also around the world. Despite the travel restrictions that exist today, this date will allow the opportunity for international competitors to consider the Bathurst International as a way to end their season of racing.
“And the beauty is that we have categories that touch all walks of motorsport life. From TCR touring cars to GT cars and high-powered open wheelers. It is a sensational mix that we are sure will draw attention locally and internationally.”
Bathurst Mayor Cr Bobby Burke was also thrilled to have such a solid list of categories taking part in the weekend.
“We are excited that a date has been set that will bring the Bathurst International to the iconic Mount Panorama,” Cr Bourke said.
“Mount Panorama has a reputation as one of the best racing circuits in the world. The worldwide exposure of the Bathurst International will elevate Mount Panorama’s prestige and will showcase the racing circuit and Bathurst to a global audience.
“We are proud to partner with ARG to bring this event to Bathurst that will feature world-class drivers competing in a great mix of racing categories.”
Information on tickets for the event will be released in the coming months, while those who can’t attend can still watch the live stream via the Seven Network in Australia, Sky Sport in New Zealand and Motorsport.TV for international viewers.
The Bathurst International takes place at Mount Panorama on 26-28 November.