The inaugural Bathurst International will not proceed this year after months of deliberations finally settling today with a confirmation of a delay until 2021.
The event was meant to host a TCR endurance race on the iconic Mount Panorama circuit, with the S5000 and TA2 classes on the support programme.
The Bathurst 6 Hour was also postponed until the November date was a late addition to the event schedule.
But ongoing domestic border disputes and isolation periods across Australia has resulted in event organisers and the Bathurst Regional Council ultimately opting to axe it entirely.
Focus now shifts to 2021 with the running of the Bathurst International and the 6 Hour race re-scheduled for Easter weekend in March.
“It is obviously very disappointing to postpone the inaugural running of the Bathurst International,” said ARG CEO Matt Braid.
“No stone was left unturned in the attempt to hold a viable and top-class motorsport event; however, the border restrictions that our competitors faced made it an impossible situation.
“We have waited as long as practical to make this decision, but we needed to consider local businesses, competitors and their families, our volunteers and other service providers and provide a timely decision so as not adversely impact their families, their plans or incur unnecessary costs.
“This event was not based around a singular product but a wide and varied motorsport entertainment package which involved over 2000 people attending before the inclusion of fans, families, friends, sponsors, service providers, event staff and broadcast personnel. To deliver an event of this magnitude required it to be delivered in the right way and in the current environment that is just not possible.
“ARG and its team has now turned its full attention to the 2021 Bathurst 6 Hour, and we can’t wait to showcase a great production car race along with other exciting categories, live and free with our broadcast partner Seven, in April next year.”
The TCR Australia and S5000 series are yet to firm up a 2020/21 calendar with the cancellation of the Bathurst International putting both at risk of not racing at all this year.