Supercars fans get set for endurance racing at the Airtouch 500
One of the biggest race weekends in the Bend Motorsport Park’s history is about to kick off.
More than 40,000 Supercars fans are expected to roll into the Murraylands this weekend for the Bend Motorsport Park’s biggest race ever.
The Airtouch 500 will be Tailem Bend’s first Supercars endurance race.
Championship leader Broc Feeney and his rivals will go wheel to wheel in a gruelling, hundred-lap contest on Sunday.
Combined with the other racing classes on show – including a round of the TCR World Tour, the global touring car championship – it’s sure to be a massive few days.
Better yet, the venue announced on Wednesday that it would host an enduro round of the Supercars Championship for each of the next three years.
Local motor sport fans will be sure to welcome the news after years of uncertainty about whether the Bend would be included on the championship calendar.
Supercars chief executive James Warburton was certainly keen.
“The Bend has established itself as one of Australia’s premier motorsport venues,” he said.
“This circuit was purpose-built for endurance racing and provides an exceptional test for our drivers and teams.
“South Australian fans are among the most passionate in the country, and this commitment ensures they will continue to experience Supercars endurance racing at the highest level.
“We’re proud that Supercars endurance racing will be part of South Australia’s sporting landscape for years to come.”
Combined with recent upgrades to the circuit – new starting lights, smart marshalling technology and better curbing – venue owner Sam Shahin said his sights were now set higher still.
“Our ambition has always been to create a circuit capable of attracting the world’s greatest motor sport events,” he said.
“This three-year deal, combined with the roll-out of F1-standard technology, demonstrates that the Bend has the credibility and capability to host championships of Moto GP calibre and beyond.”
What’s the plan for this weekend?
In the meantime, crowds can expect a non-stop few days of high-octane entertainment, from 9am on Friday to the final chequered flag on Sunday evening.
As well as the Supercars Championship and TCR World Tour, racing categories will include:
- The Porsche Carrera Cup, featuring Porsche 911 GT3s
- The National Trans-Am Series, featuring V8, rear-wheel-driven muscle cars
- Touring Car Masters, with the touring cars of yesteryear
- The Aussie Racing Cars Championship, mini replicas of famous racing cars
- Micro speedway cars in a separate arena
- A karting championship for members of the public who qualified at previous events at the Bend and Mallala
Off the track, punters can expect live music and DJs, an aerial stunt show, a free ferris wheel, autograph sessions with Supercars drivers, and – as ever – displays of historic high-performance vehicles in the visitor centre.
The race’s economic impact on the Murraylands would significant, Mr Warburton said.
State Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison hoped the influx of visitors would provide a boost to businesses all over the region.
Previous Supercars events at the Bend have been in the super sprint format, with three 100km races.
Tailem was originally going to get an enduro race in 2020, but the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- More information: www.thebend.com.au/the-bend-500.
- Tickets: From $45 at www.outix.co.
