Motorsport Australia has announced a change to the 2021 Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships calendar.
 
Two new events have been added to the line-up in November and December, while the scheduled October round at The Bend Motorsport Park will no longer go ahead.
 
Instead the iconic South Australian venue will now play host to the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships on 10-12 December, while Sandown International Raceway will be home to the next event on the calendar on 19-21 November, bringing racing action to the heart of Melbourne. 
 
Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith said the changes were necessary in light of ongoing travel restrictions.
 
“It’s been a difficult year for competitors, venues, event organisers, officials and everyone involved in trying to make these events a possibility,” Smith explained.
 
“For Motorsport Australia, we’ve made sure to be agile and flexible and today’s calendar announcement is a prime example of that ongoing work. While we’ve had to cancel one event, we’ve been able to lock away a further two events to allow the greatest opportunity for our categories to squeeze in as much racing as possible this year.
 
“Sandown will host the next round of the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships in November, before we head to The Bend in December to finish off the year in style.
 
“Understandably, these events remain subject to ongoing travel restrictions, however the various government roadmaps provide plenty of hope that these events will be able to go ahead in line with government restrictions in each state.
 
“A huge thank you must go to the team at The Bend for their ongoing support and flexibility in allowing us to put on an event at their world-class venue, and likewise to the team at Sandown we are extremely grateful for their continued assistance. We also thank our category managers and competitors for their understanding and flexibility.
 
“It’s also important to acknowledge our event sponsors for their continued backing over recent months and their dedication to supporting motorsport.”

Managing Director of The Bend, Sam Shahin, echoed Smith's sentiments.

“In a year of challenges, motorsport has still managed to navigate a path to hold events, and Motorsport Australia has been a most progressive, sensible and trustworthy partner throughout," Shahin said.

"The Bend has continued to reach out to all motorsport bodies, state and national organisations, category owners, and at all levels, re-affirming our readiness to remain an integral part of the resumption of motorsport in Australia.  

"We look forward to delivering more events in 2021 and to what also promises to be a sensational 2022."
 
Categories to compete at each event, as well as any spectator and broadcast details will be known in the coming weeks.
 
Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships 2021 remaining events:
19-21 November – Sandown International Raceway
10-12 December – The Bend Motorsport Park