SHAHIN CONFIRMS ALTERNATE LAYOUT PLAN

Sam Shahin confirms alternate layout plan – Photo: InSyde Media

The Supercars Championship doubleheader at The Bend is likely to be run on two different layouts, Dr Sam Shahin the founder and mastermind of the venue confirmed to Auto Action.

By DAN McCARTHY

Once the Bend Motorsport Park was confirmed as hosting a doubleheader before Bathurst, attentions quickly turned to the circuit layouts at the vast Bend Motorsport Park precinct.

Sam Shahin confirmed to Auto Action that the venue and Supercars are planning to run the events on two different layouts.

“If the current progress continues with Supercars we will have the two Supercars events running on two different circuit configurations,” Shahin explained.

“The two configurations most likely to be used are the 4.95km International Circuit (previously utilised by Supercars) and the 3.4km West Circuit.

“This will be an Australian first and terrific spectacle both for spectators and the television audience, the level of interest in the events has been completely overwhelming.”

Shahin firmly believes that the shorter West circuit will create exciting racing, and this is why it has been proposed ahead of the 7.7km Endurance Circuit used by the Asian Le Mans Series earlier in the year.

“The West circuit takes in a substantial portion of the International Circuit but with a complex in the middle that should be extremely suitable for Supercars, especially if they choose to run a soft tyre,” he continued.

“I’m hopeful for variety sake and for the spectators sake that this will be one of the configurations used.

“The 7.7km circuit will not be viable for this event, that configuration is much more suited to long endurance events.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic The Bend Motorsport Park was booted from the calendar for several months and Shahin himself vented his frustration. The South Australian is happy an agreement has finally been met.

“The circumstances earlier in the year have been well documented, nobody wants to lose an event,” he said to AA.

“COVID has completely changed, not just the motorsport landscape, but the landscape of every business and enterprise in Australia so it has been an incredibly challenging few months, and it is no secret that motorsport is almost on its knees in Australia.

“I am proud that the venue has got the nod to host two rounds on the championship this year when I am certain there were alternative venues possible.”

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