MOTORSPORT: Bathurst 1000 postponed

The 2021 Bathurst 1000 has been postponed – and New Zealand and Perth rounds both dropped – in a massive COVID-related change to the second half of the 2021 Supercars Championship calendar.

Ongoing uncertainty about borders and travel restrictions has forced the changes as Supercars works to successfully complete a 12-round championship with five more events following a massive break until the start of October.

The changes are good news for Victorians, with Winton back on the calendar and a round at Phillip Island expected to be confirmed next week.

Supercars has also promised an early return to New Zealand, most likely for Anzac Day in 2022, and a potential double-header across the Tasman.

“We’re looking to buy as much time as possible, given the situation in Sydney. But also to minimise any requirement to travel to metropolitan areas … over the next few months,” said Supercars CEO, Sean Seamer.

“And to make sure the events we are conducting are in the best possible window for fans.”

Seamer apologised for the changes and the creation, partly caused by television commitments, of an extended mid-season break.

“For us, we’re committed to a 12-round calendar. We’ve been able to deliver the majority of those events.

“We’re acutely aware that this does lead to some significant delays. But it will mitigate risk.”

The resumption of racing will begin at Winton on October 2-3, followed by the unconfirmed event at Phillip Island on October 23-24, then Bathurst on November 4-7, Sydney Motorsport Park under lights on November 19-21 and the season finale on the Gold Coast on December 3-5.

There will be free-to-air coverage on the Seven Network for the races at Bathurst, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

A proposed visit to Queensland Raceway has been dropped, but it remains first reserve if there are any future casualties on the calendar.

Supercars says the dates and locations have been chosen to make things as secure as possible for its teams, which are based either in Victoria or Queensland, and to suit its fans.

It is planning to help plug the gap in the season with a range of activities including a new season of its Inside Line fly-on-the-all television program, which follows Walkinshaw Andretti United through 2020, as well as a new E-series including all championship drivers.

“We will continue to work with all the teams to ensure we’re staying relevant over that extended break,” said Seamer.

He also says Supercars will be working for an early announcement of its 2022 calendar, most likely in October, including the return of Perth and NZ.

Revised 2021 Supercars Championship calendar:
October 2-3 Winton, Victoria
October 23-24 Phillip Island, Victoria (TBC)
November 4-7 Bathurst, NSW
November 19-21 Sydney Motorsport Park, NSW
December 3-5 Gold Coast, Queensland