FLEXIBILITY KEY FOR 2021 SUPERCARS CALENDAR

Flexibility key to 2021 Supercars calendar – Photo: InSyde Media

Due to be announced after the Bathurst 1000, the 2021 Supercars calendar will need to be flexible to fit within the ongoing challenges presented by COVID-19.

By HEATH McALPINE

Currently, doubts surround the Bathurst 12 Hour and Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in going ahead with Supercars CEO Sean Seamer declaring the championship must be ready for any type of situation and allow accordingly.

“There’s still a lot of moving parts,” Seamer said.

“The key for us is to be conservative about the start date, conservative around when we do street races and being conservative about getting to New Zealand so that if we are forced to make changes there minimal because we’ve been conservative and taken a slightly longer form view.”

Seamer spoke positively of the current situation in Australia as further state borders open and cases decrease, while New Zealand has one of the better countries to have handled the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re pretty encouraged at how things are looking in Australia and also New Zealand,” Seamer continued.

“Actually, we’re really looking forward to next year.”

As revealed by Auto Action, plans are afoot to run a Bathurst 500 event as the season opener in place of the Bathurst 12 Hour due to international travel restrictions disallowing a majority of its competitors the ability to enter the country.

Seamer admitted the 12 Hour is doubtful to be held next year, though was noncommittal when speaking of its potential replacement.

“It’s fair to say that it is unlikely for it to go ahead in the form that it went ahead this year due to the number of international participants it has built during time,” Seamer said.

“What we do with that date, what we do with the track on that date is still to be determined, but that will be clearer when we release the calendar.”

However, the Supercars CEO did confirm a Bathurst 500-type format was under consideration, but discussions with Intercontinental GT Challenge organisers, the SRO were still taking place.

“It’s under consideration,” Seamer confirmed. “We’re working with the GT category [the SRO] to see what their plans are for next year. At this particular time, given we’re still living in a world dominated by COVID unfortunately everything’s got to remain on the table.

“Yeah, an event of that nature is under consideration should we not be able to run the 12 Hour or a formidable GT event.”

Supercars is keeping its options open in regards to a start date. Moving the event away from its traditional late-January, early-February slot is a high possibility.

“That date is not specifically locked in,” confirmed Seamer. “That date is normally locked in because of racing in Dubai, Daytona and the rest of the GT calendar.

“If we don’t have the international competitor base that we would normally expect out there, then we have a lot more flexibility and freedom around that date.”

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