2021 BATHURST 12 HOUR CANCELLED
By Bruce Williams
Date posted: 19 October 2020
2021 Bathurst 12 Hour cancelled – Photo: InSyde Media
Supercars has confirmed that the 2021 Bathurst 12 Hour will not take place due to the international travel restrictions currently in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
By HEATH McALPINE
The world-renowned GT event is the traditional starting point for the global Intercontinental GT Challenge, but won’t occur despite the best efforts of Supercars and the SRO Motorsports Group.
“This is a tough decision but ultimately one we had to make,” Supercars CEO Sean Seamer said.
“Since Supercars began managing the event it has grown to become one of the largest endurance events globally, showcasing our spiritual home of racing to an international audience.
“With Australia’s international borders expected to remain closed, we feel it is in the best interest of competitors, fans, sponsors and broadcasters to make the decision now on next year’s event.
“We are absolutely committed to having the event return to Australia’s motorsport calendar in 2022.”
SRO Motorsports Group founder and CEO Stephane Ratel expressed his disappointment of the event’s cancellation, but recognized it was unfeasible to continue the event with international competitors.
“The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour is one of the world’s great endurance races and an undoubted highlight of SRO Motorsports Group’s global calendar,” said Ratel.
“But we also understand and respect Australia’s international travel restrictions, which make it impossible to stage the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli’s opening round there in February.
“Instead, 2021’s championship will now begin later in the year at the Total 24 Hours of Spa. Mount Panorama remains Intercontinental’s spiritual season opener, and I know I speak for everyone at SRO as well as our manufacturers when I say we cannot wait to return in 2022.”
Bathurst City Council Mayor Bobby Bourke confirmed his excitement for the event’s return in 2022.
“While it was disappointing the 2021 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-Hour won’t go ahead, it is good to see that the event has firmly established itself on the international GT circuit and the lure of the iconic Mount Panorama will see the event return in 2022.”
The announcement follows on from Supercars confirmation it will start its season in New South Wales next year.
For more of the latest Supercars news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.
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