BATHURST 1000 TV GUIDE

Bathurst 1000 TV guide – Photo: InSyde Media

With just 4000 spectators per day allowed, this year’s Bathurst 1000 is going to be the most deserted ever.

By MARK FOGARTY

A record TV audience is likely as tens of thousands are unable to attend due to coronavirus restrictions.

COVID-19 has also limited accommodation in Bathurst and surrounding areas as more residents stay home or are unwilling to let their properties to visitors.

It’s the first time crowds at Mount Panorama have been restricted, including no on-site camping or spectators at the top of the circuit.

Many thousands of spectators who’ve been going to Bathurst since the 1960s as an annual rite can’t be there.

The coronavirus restrictions mean more people than ever will watch the Bathurst 1000 on TV.

It will be shown live and ad break-free on Fox Sports and also live on Network 10 and regional affiliate WIN.

Pay platform Foxtel is running a dedicated Bathurst channel on Fox Sports until after the big race on Sunday.

All practice, qualifying and racing will be screened on Fox Sports channel 506/506HD.

The coverage, including support categories, will also be available on the Foxtel Go, Foxtel Now and Kayo streaming services.

Free TV coverage will be on Channel 10 and WIN from Friday to Sunday

It will be Network 10’s last Supercars event, with FTA telecasts returning to Seven next year in the new 2021-25 broadcast deal.

Coverage for home viewers will be comprehensive for both Foxtel subscribers and those with only access to free TV.

The Bathurst 1000 has to be shown on FTA TV as a major national sporting event protected by anti-siphoning laws, which mean they have to be available to all viewers

Fox Sports’ ‘pop up’ Bathurst channel is showing re-runs and historic features until Thursday morning, when live, continuous coverage begins at 8.55 am AEDT.

38 HOURS OF LIVE COVERAGE ON FOXTEL AND KAYO

The coverage will be anchored by presenter Jessica Yates, with analysis and commentary by Mark Skaife and Neil Crompton.

There will also be insight from regular season expert Craig Lowndes, who is co-driving with Jamie Whincup.

In the pit lane will be popular pundit Mark Larkham, plus reporters Riana Crehan and Andy Jones.

On 10/WIN, coverage will be hosted by network personality and former Supercars racer Grant Denyer.

Joining Denyer will be Bathurst winners Rick Kelly and Will Davison, plus Michael Caruso, with Kate Peck and Sam Charlwood reporting from pit lane.

Network 10’s free coverage of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 will begin Friday, October 17 from 12 pm AEDT, continuing on Saturday, October 17 from 11.30 am AEDT and then Sunday, October 189 from 8 am AEDT.

For teams, administrators and race officials, finding accommodation at Bathurst has been more difficult than expected.

While there will be no influx of visitors, local residents who normally rent out their houses are either staying home or are unwilling to allow strangers amid the pandemic

It will be a Bathurst 1000 like no other on almost every level, but it will happen with the usual drama and unpredictability on the track.

Sit back, relax, watch and enjoy.

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