The Bend Motorsport Park and the Sporting Car Club of South Australia (SCCSA) will combine for an epic Saturday of motorsport this weekend with the Misch's Excel Garage Enduro. 
 
Acting as a dress rehearsal for the Circuit Excel’s big meeting at next month’s Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships, 44 drivers across 22 cars will battle it out for bragging rights on the popular circuit. 
 
Unlike its usual race formats at other meetings, this weekend’s meeting will see the 22 contesting cars enjoying two one-hour races where they will have a mandatory 90 second pit stop to change drivers. 
 
While there are far less entries than first anticipated due to the South Australian borders being closed, there are still plenty of excited crews locked in to compete in the enduro. 

Heading into the event as favourite are Asher Johnston and Shaun Pannowitch with the duo to run the Pannowitch’s car as opposed to Johnston’s championship winning car. 
 
Standing in their way are a handful of crews capable of winning in the event, including reigning champion Aaron Oliver, who is making his return to the event in a brand new car and co-driver in Matt Totani. 
 
Also in the mix for top honours will be Jayden Wanzek, the rising star to be teaming up with father Justin, while fellow father-son crew of Geoff and Andrew Hobby will have lots of confidence heading into the event with Geoff a wealth of experience in the category. 
 
Despite there being plenty of family crews, there will also be some family rivalries too with brothers Tom and James Benford headlining the long list of sibling racers, although the duo will be in different cars instead of running together. 
 
James enters the day co-driving with Nick Scaife and they will be one of the contenders for much of the day, while Tom is teamed up with Scott Tiller, who is less experienced than Scaife. 
 
With many entered drivers also scheduled to compete at the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships next month, the event offers them the perfect opportunity to get some extra seat time. 
 
In addition to the Circuit Excels, the event will also see an open wheeler and tin top supersprint taking place, giving SCCSA a chance to run in an event before the end of the year. 
  
Melissa Rees of the SCCSA was looking forward to the Excel Enduro and was happy they could give members another chance to compete. 
 
“The format is a great opportunity for friends and family to experience the fun of Excel racing or even better, get drivers from other classes to have a go,” Rees said. 
 
“While border restrictions are still in place, Circuit Excel SA is confident this event will become a national attraction as restrictions ease next season. 
 
“Unfortunately, the club was supposed to have a season finale this weekend but due to low entries, we had to cancel, then the opportunity came with The Bend and we took it. 
 
“SA has enjoyed a strong racing season through the COVID restrictions and it has been great to see the clubs and promoters work together to offer a variety of events to our competitor base. 
 
“We’re looking forward to the weekend and a big thanks must go out to the many officials who have put their hand up to come and get involved – it’s a great way to celebrate FIA Volunteers Weekend.”