SHANNONS DOUBLEHEADER FOR THE BEND

South Australia will host a packed fortnight of racing in October as both Australian Racing Group and Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships categories descend upon The Bend Motorsport Park.

Two separate events will now be hosted. The originally scheduled round from October 15-17 will be partnered with a second from October 22-24, both hosted by Shannons.

The first weekend will feature ARG categories consisting of GT World Challenge Australia, TCR Australia, Touring Car Masters and the National Trans Am Series.

This represents a replacement round for TCR, TCM and Trans AM, who were meant to race at Morgan Park in August. The round was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Radical Australia Cup and the GC Marine Australian Prototype Series will hold their Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships round on the same weekend.

To complete the frenetic fortnight of action, Shannons categories including the Australian Production Car Series, National Sports Sedans Series, Porsche 944 and Bullrush Rally will complement a second round of the Radical Australia Cup.

Aussie Racing Cars are also expected to feature as part of the doubleheader, but the date is yet to be confirmed.

Motorsport Australia Director of Motorsport & Commercial Operations Michael Smith believed the scheduling was a huge win for competitors and South Australian motorsport fans.

“This back-to-back weekend of motorsport is a real treat for fans and competitors alike,” Smith said.

“Given the interruptions to our calendar in 2021, this doubleheader provides a fantastic opportunity for so many teams and categories to enjoy two huge weekends of racing.

“Being joined by other disciplines in the region is also an exciting prospect and allows everyone to experience plenty of different action on asphalt and dirt.

“We’re thrilled to be able to host this doubleheader with plenty of different categories and disciplines, along with our unique development programs, at a world-class venue.”

Matt Braid, the CEO of Australian Racing Group, was also thrilled with the scheduling outcome.

“ARG is excited to bring our racing categories back to The Bend in October this year,” Braid said.

“We visited The Bend twice in our first year of TCR racing in 2019, and it proved popular amongst fans and competitors alike.

“The facilities are second to none in Australia, the events are always well promoted and supported, and we look forward to seeing our huge variety of categories tackle The Bend’s impressive layout.”

Racing at The Bend will be a new experience for the TCM and Trans Am categories. TCR Australia has visited the venue twice, both times during its opening 2019 season.

The GT World Challenge Australia round will be the first of two endurance events, the second scheduled for the Bathurst International from November 26-28.

As well as the feature categories, Motorsport Australia’s FIA ‘Girls On Track’ program will be present for the first weekend, as well as junior development program Ricciardo’s Racers

Before the packed doubleheader, the next Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships round will be held at Sandown International Raceway from September 17-19.

Tickets will go on sale for the Tailem Bend events in the coming weeks.

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