TCR Australia set for Bathurst debut after ARG wins tender

The tender for a coveted fifth event at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst has been won by the Australian Racing Group after beating an application by Supercars in the process back in July.

As promoters of the TCR Australia series, the ARG looked to secure an event at the circuit which hosts three major endurance races throughout the year in the form of the 12 Hour GT race in February, the 6 Hour for production cars over Easter and the world-famous Bathurst 1000 in October, contested by Supercars.

It is understood that the ARG and the Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS) want to hold a 500km endurance race around Mount Panorama, looking to attract TCR competitors and teams from abroad to compete around one of the world’s most demanding circuits.

The decision comes off the back of Councillor Bobby Bourke being elected as mayor of the Bathurst Regional Council last night, signing off on the event within hours of taking over from Graeme Hanger who had served as mayor since 2017.

“We expect the event to be up and running in December 2020 and we’re excited about the prospect of seeing new cars and drivers lining up to tackle the challenging circuit,” Cr Bourke said.

“Council undertook a detailed tender process to select the successful bid and we’re confident the fifth event will bring dedicated motorsport fans to the circuit in December each year as well as attract new fans to the sport.”

Matt Braid, director of the ARG, said that the group was looking forward to providing more motorsport at the iconic circuit.

“ARG and CAMS wish to thank the Bathurst Regional Council for their support and endorsement of our event, and we look forward to working with the Council and the Bathurst community to make this one of the most spectacular events for motorsport fans in Australia and across the globe,” he said.

TCR Australia will return to the circuit this weekend in the season’s penultimate round at Sandown Raceway.