The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour will now run in May, postponed from its original February date.
 
The call to postpone the event comes amidst a number of concerns surrounding quarantine regulations for international competitors as well as the growing number of COVID cases in Australia.
 
All organisations involved in the event backed the decision to move it back by two and half months with Supercars, Motorsport Australia, Australian Racing Group and SRO Motorsport Group, as well as Destination NSW and Bathurst Regional Council all part of the decision.
 
Supercars Chief Operating Officer, Shane Howard believed it was the best call to make in order to keep the event’s international status with the majority of entries competing to earn Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli points.
 
“This is the best outcome for the event under the current circumstances,” Howard said.
 
“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.”
 
The founder and current CEO of SRO Motorsports Group, Stephane Ratel, echoed Howard’s comments.
 
“It was imperative that the 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,” Ratel said.
 
“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 (Motorsport Australia GT Championship) 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 event is scheduled to be open to fans with tickets going on sale from 11am AEDT on Monday 17 January.
 
The 2022 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour takes place in Mount Panorama on 13-15 May.