The Supercars Championship is set to either replace its planned double-header meeting at Queensland Raceway, following confirmation from the circuit owner that the series isn’t visiting this year.
In an interview with Speedcafe.com, circuit owner John Tetley suggested that the series was more likely to visit The Bend instead. He also cited the need for his circuit to make various safety upgrades, and existing date clashes.
“The reality is we can’t meet the sort of offers that come out of Tailem Bend and I fully understand why the [Supercars] would be going there,” Tetley said.
“It would have been perhaps more convenient [for Supercars] but if they’ve got to go to Bathurst anyway, going via QR or going via Tailem Bend I presume is not that big an ask.”
It’s reported that The Bend is likely to host at least one round of the series. Should it appear on the calendar, it completes an interesting circle of events for the new facility.
Owner of The Bend and occasional Porsche Carrera Cup Australia and Australian GT Championship racer Sam Shahin posted wide criticism of the Supercars when it dropped his circuit from the calendar after the first wave of COVID-19 hit Australia.
“Supercars have reshuffled the calendar to satisfy their stakeholders and cut costs for teams. Unfortunately, South Australia has missed out which is devastating for South Australia, motorsport fans, The Bend and our partners,” he said at the time.
“Supercars owe a big apology to South Australia, and the many South Australian businesses and tourism operators that rely on event goers for their livelihoods, particularly at a time when their business has already been devastated by COVID-19 restrictions.
“Supercars do what’s best for Supercars. We have endeavoured for years to satisfy the great appetite for motorsport in SA. We’ve answered the calls with the best motorsport facility in the world but it seems the power of the Eastern States yet again wins the day, and SA misses out.”
Now, the track may find itself back on the calendar in almost its original slot, as the likely pre-cursor to the Supercheap Auto 1000.