New name for The Bend ahead of big race
By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 16 August 2023
The Bend will receive a slight makeover ahead of its big weekend hosting the eighth round of the Supercars season.
The South Australian circuit will change its name from The Bend Motorsport Park to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park with its pit complex now standing out with a new bright red signage.
This name will remain in place for the next decade as part of a deal struck earlier this year between VIVA Energy and the OTR Group.
In April VIVA Energy, which operates the famous Shell brand in Australia struck a deal with the Shahin family owned Peregrine Corporation to buy the OTR Group for $1.15 billion.
The Bend’s recognisable pit complex will look slightly different in 2023 this weekend.
Despite this the event itself this weekend will still be called the OTR SuperSprint, which will be the final round before the enduros arrive.
Shell is a famous brand in world motorsport with iconic teams such as Ferrari, Dick Johnson Racing and Team Penske all sporting the famous yellow and red colours.
Shell V-Power Motorsport Park managing director Sam Shahin said it is an honour to see the brand at his track.
“We are absolutely honoured that a powerful global brand has committed to such a strong and lengthy partnership with our business,” he said.
“It’s a testament to The Bend brand that we have developed since we set about building this venue close to a decade ago.”
Scott McLaughlin racing for Dick Johnson Racing in the first ever Supercars race at The Bend in 2018.
Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO Alistair MacDonald said it has created plenty of excitement around the track.
“We are excited and eager to work with VIVA Energy & Shell V-Power to create a partnership that is hugely beneficial for all parties and is representative of the combination of a world class venue and a world class brand.”
The announcement begins a new chapter for The Bend circuit, which is now in its sixth year of operation since opening in 2018.
Now the track is in the middle of its busiest time with over 310 on-track days scheduled in 2023.
Three of them include this weekend’s Supercars round where three 20-lap races are in store to entertain fans.
Shane van Gisbergen scored a clean sweep last year and is the driver to beat having won last time out in Sydney.
The Kiwi also won the first Supercars race at the glitzy South Australian circuit in 2018 and South Australian Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the event and track has entrenched itself as a major part of the state.
Shane Van Gisbergen won the first ever race at The Bend in 2018.
“Signing a powerful global brand like Shell V-Power not only signals how strong The Bend is as a venue, but also how much confidence the market has in the long-term success of this terrific South Australian business,” she said.
“Since 2016 when the first sod was turned, until now, the team at The Bend has been laser-focused on growing the venue as a world-class motorsport facility and a must-see destination in SA.
“We know events give people a reason to visit our tourism regions – and motorsport events like this weekend’s OTR SuperSprint are just what we want to keep people visiting and spending in this region.
“In fact, last year, major events at The Bend contributed in excess of $14 million of economic benefit to the state.”
The Bend SuperSprint begins this Friday with Supercars taking on the circuit first on Saturday morning.
For more of the latest motorsport news, pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.
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