29 Oct 2023
Supersized Supercars season opener for Bathurst
Supercars will race into Bathurst in February for a bumper start to the 2024 Championship series, with a 10-day festival of motorsport at the iconic Mount Panorama/Wahluu.
The Bathurst 500 replaces the Newcastle 500, which will not proceed in 2024, after the City of Newcastle did not approve the 2024 event. The NSW Government had put money on the table for Newcastle 500 to continue in 2024, with support from Supercars, for a one-year extension to allow a longer plan to be finalised.
The NSW Government secured the 2024 Supercars Championship opener for Bathurst as part of Bathurst SuperFest, reinforcing its commitment to major motorsport events and the visitor economy of regional NSW.
The high-octane start to the season will include the annual fan-favourite Bathurst 12 Hour from 16 to 18 February and the Bathurst 500 from 23 to 25 February complemented by a program of public community events throughout the week.
The 2024 Supercars Bathurst 500 is expected to attract more than 18,500 visitors to the region, and generate approximately $11.3 million in visitor spending across the state.
The NSW Government has a long and proud history of partnering with Supercars Australia to deliver a range of motorsport events across the state, which have generated significant economic, strategic and community benefits for NSW.
Discussions between the NSW Government and Supercars Australia regarding the future of the Newcastle 500 are ongoing.
NSW will host three rounds of the 2024 Supercars Championship - Bathurst 500, Sydney SuperNight and Bathurst 1000 - the most of any state.
The 2024 event at Eastern Creek will mark the 75th Sydney SuperNights race under lights at the world-class Sydney Motorsport Park.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said:
“Supercar fans will get a supersized season opener in February with a huge 10-day festival in Bathurst.
“The NSW Government is pleased to be hosting two rounds at the nation’s home of motorsport, Mount Panorama/Wahluu in Bathurst, including the opening round of the 2024 Supercars season with the Bathurst 500 as part of Bathurst SuperFest.
“The 75th race at the Sydney SuperNight will also be a highlight for motorsport lovers, as local and visiting fans enjoy Australia’s unique motor racing event experience of racing under lights."
Supercars CEO, Shane Howard said:
“The Bathurst SuperFest will give fans close to two-weeks to celebrate some of the best drivers in the world, taking on Mount Panorama.
“Combining two marquee race meetings into the one major event in Summer is an exciting initiative and we can’t wait to see fans fill the mountain and be a part of the action.
“Motorsport events are popular among the public, attract many dedicated fans from outside of the region to our state and provide fantastic broadcast coverage of NSW to domestic and international audiences.
“We thank the NSW Government and Bathurst Regional Council for supporting our vision to bring something new to fans.”
MEDIA: Heath Aston | Minister Graham | 0458 655 879