Category management for the Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters have confirmed this year’s Bathurst 1000 will serve as the 2021 season finale.   

With three rounds already completed this year, the Bathurst meeting means 16 races will count towards the final standings, instead of the original 24 spread across six rounds. 

As a result of the uncertainty surrounding border closures and state restrictions, the category was one of many who had a shortened season due to cancellations. 

Despite being unable to run all six scheduled rounds, TCM Category Manager Liam Curkpatrick was pleased the series would at least get one more round in December. 

“It’s great to have some certainty in uncertain times when it comes to finalising the Gulf Western Oil TCM series,” Curkpatrick said. 

“TCM was fortunate to get three very competitive rounds in at the start of the year which means we’ve had 12 races towards the [series] so far. 

“It’s a meaningful number and once Bathurst is complete there will be four more to add to that list. 

“Four rounds is a short series, but it is enough racing to ensure that the winners will have absolutely earned their trophies. 

“Interest in the Bathurst event has been strong and we’re looking forward to completing the TCM season in style this December.” 

In what has been a highly even season, three different drivers have claimed outright round honours, while eight different drivers have won races within each race meeting. 

As a result, 10 different individuals have a mathematical chance of winning the title with 200 points on offer throughout the final round. 

Australian motorsport stalwart John Bowe currently leads the championship by just 10 points over Ryan Hansford, while a further 47 points behind Hansford are Marcus Zukanovic and Cameron Tilley who are tied on points in third place.

Rounding out the top five 11 points off Zukanovic and Tilley is two-time series winner Steve Johnson. 

The Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters will wrap up the 2021 season as part of a bumper six-day schedule at Mount Panorama for the Bathurst 1000 on 30 November – 5 December.