Get ready for a thrilling expansion at the Bathurst 12 Hour! This iconic endurance race is set to become even more exciting, with plans to extend it to a four-day event, including a dedicated GT4 round.
The interest in this international race has skyrocketed, with a massive jump from 22 to 35 cars entering this year. However, the GT4 category, despite its popularity in local sprint series, has been underrepresented, with only two cars participating in the 12 Hour race.
But here's the catch: GT4 car owners are hesitant to join due to the significant speed difference between GT3 and GT4 cars, and the high costs associated with endurance racing.
Enter Shane Rudzis, the director of Bathurst 12 Hour, who has revealed talks with SRO Australia, the promoter of GT4 Australia, to host a sprint round during the event. This move aims to address the concerns of GT4 owners and create a more inclusive racing experience.
And this is where it gets interesting... Rudzis proposes adding a Thursday track day, specifically for GT3 testing, to help amateur drivers gain more experience on the circuit. This additional day will provide an opportunity for GT4 cars to participate in a sprint round, creating a perfect platform for driver development and marketing.
Previous discussions have focused on a separate endurance race for GT4, but the costs associated with refueling have been a hurdle. However, SRO Australia is pushing for a takeover of the fifth event date at Bathurst, previously occupied by the Bathurst International, which the local council seems open to.
The majority of GT3 manufacturers also have GT4 homologations, making a GT4 sprint round at the 12 Hour a natural progression. Rudzis highlights the increasing investment from manufacturers in the event, with track signage and branding becoming more prominent. He believes having both GT3 and GT4 cars racing at the event would be a win-win situation, providing a great experience for fans and a safe environment for drivers.
But here's the controversial part... While Rudzis acknowledges the importance of GT4 and Invitational classes, he foresees a future where the 12 Hour becomes exclusively GT3, citing fan and safety perspectives. He suggests that having a dedicated GT4 sprint round would provide a pathway for young drivers to participate in the event without the pressures of the main race.
The current schedule at Bathurst 12 Hour includes support categories like the Ferrari Challenge and Combined Sedans, along with Gen3 Supercars test sessions. Rudzis has been actively discussing the Thursday expansion plan with stakeholders, and further conversations are underway this weekend.
With the event already active from Friday to the following Thursday due to private track hire days, adding Thursday as a race day seems like a logical solution. Rudzis believes this expansion will provide the much-needed breathing room in the schedule and create a more comprehensive racing experience.
So, what do you think? Is this expansion a step in the right direction for the Bathurst 12 Hour? Will it enhance the racing experience for fans and drivers alike? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
