Supercars are considering a range of options to ensure that a GT event goes ahead if the 2022 Bathurst 12 hour is again affected by travel restrictions.
The 2021 installment of the endurance race was cancelled, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and border closures.
The event was instead replaced by the opening round of the Supercars Championship, which held a single driver event at the iconic track.
With no sign of international borders re-opening in time for the February event, it appears unlikely the race will feature the usual lineup of international teams and drivers.
However, Supercars are determined to see the race go ahead as a GT event in 2022, hoping to avoid a repeat of 2021.
This leaves the category investigating what different forms the event could take.
If the Trans-Tasman bubble is re-opened in time for the endurance event we could see competitors from New Zealand competing in the race.
Supercars CEO Sean Seamer recently spoke to Motorsport.com about the Bathurst 12 hour.
“We’re having a look at what some of the different options are that we could deploy for that event to keep it a premium GT event, but reduce some of the reliance on the ability for international travellers,” Seamer said.
“We’re working through some ideas and thoughts on that at the moment.
“Like everybody we’ve got to put down an event plan and make something work that’s, at a minimum, a viable product.”
While being realistic that the category can’t rely on the international competitors they normally see at the event, Seamer is still hopeful that they may be able to have some international involvement, if travel bubbles are open.
“We’re looking at a range of different options – trans-Tasman, APAC [Asia, Pacific], if not global,” Seamer said.
“And if we can have more people from around the world, then that only adds to it. That’s what we’re working on at the moment.”
Main image: Rhys Vandersyde