RECORD DEMAND FOR BATHURST 6 HOUR

The 2022 Bathurst 6 Hour is on track for a record number of cars on the grid, after 52 confirmed their spot in the first fortnight of entries.

As of October 20, entries had surpassed the half century, approaching the record endurance race field at Mount Panorama equalled at 64 by the Bathurst 6 Hour in 2017.

Several Bathurst 1000 races have also fielded that same amount.

Entries have been lodged for seven of the eight classes and represent the usual broad spectrum of cars from outright-contending BMW M3 and M4 entries through to the Class E Suzuki Swifts.

“Entries are charging towards the 60 mark, and we expect to be there this time next week,” Event Director Ken Collier said.

“The level of interest has been remarkable. After the success of this year’s race, we expected demand to be high, but the number of people committing early is unlike anything this race has ever experienced.

“The Bathurst grid density for the race remains at 72 cars and we aren’t that far away from that number, especially when you consider entries don’t close until next year.

“From an event point of view, we would urge those considering entering the race to get their paperwork in now because they may end up being in a situation where they miss out on a guaranteed spot.”

Since the inception of the event in 2016, the Bathurst 6 Hour has averaged 55 cars in the field.

59 cars started the 2021 race from 62 entered, COVID-19 border restrictions forcing three cars to miss the event.

Shane van Gisbergen wrote himself into the record books in the April race, taking overall honours with Shane Smollen and Rob Rubis.

The victory for van Gisbergen in the #97 BMW M4 made him only the second driver in history to win Mount Panorama’s three endurance events – the Bathurst 1000, 12 Hour and the 6 Hour production car race.

Early bird entries remain open for the race until November 30 this year, while entries will not close until March 11, 2022.

The 2022 Bathurst 6 Hour will be held across the Easter Long weekend, April 15-17.

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