A complete sell-out of available spaces is a very real possibility when the 2018 Challenge Bathurst Event kicks off at Mount Panorama this November 15-18.
Entries open for the Event on 2 July and early indicators are that demand will likely outstrip supply.
The third running of the now annual Event will continue to open the iconic Mount Panorama circuit up to people who may otherwise not have the opportunity, via a two-day Supersprint (November 15-16) followed by two days of Regularity competition across the weekend.
The V8 Race drive and ride experience will then take to the track for two days following the weekend.
Based on the number of expression of interest (EOI) submissions, Event organisers are indicating that the total grid capacity of 435 entries may well be reached for the first time this year.
422 competitors Challenged the Mountain in 2017, up from 320 at the inaugural event a year prior.
400 competitors are expected to have lodged their entries for the 2018 Event by the end of July, with previous competitors invited to renew their Entry in an exclusive period prior to general entries opening on 10 July.
In 2018, 160 positions will be made available for the Supersprint and 275 for the Regularity, though early commitments from the Z Car club in Queensland have seen one group of regularity positions already sold – leaving 220 places open to competitors.
The Event is proud to announce that Liqui-Moly Australia will sponsor the Regularity event for the first time, while Pirelli will assume naming rights for the Supersprint competition.
Former Bathurst 1000 / 12-hour champion and Liqui-Moly Australia ambassador John Bowe will attend the event to provide information to Regularity event competitors on how to prepare their car, while also giving first hand insights to improve their driving on the Mountain.
“Challenge Bathurst continues to grow thanks to the lure of tackling Mount Panorama and the lack of other opportunities to do so,” said Challenge Bathurst promoter, Greg Evans.
“There are only four opportunities each year to compete at Mount Panorama and Challenge Bathurst provides an affordable and enjoyable way for competitors to take to that iconic circuit.
“However, with more than 20,000 CAMS Speed and Circuit licence holders in Australia and only 435 spaces available, securing your spot on the grid early is vital.
“The Event will go to a new level in 2018 thanks to the support of new partners, Pirelli and Liqui-Moly. Both are passionate supporters of motorsport at Mount Panorama and will extend that passion to everyone competing at Challenge Bathurst this year.
“Having Liqui-Moly ambassador and legend of the sport John Bowe on hand to offer advice and support to Regularity competitors will be particularly exciting and I am sure he will be in high demand!”
Further details about Bowe’s involvement will be released later this year.
The Event retains its high level of affordability with all entries including a garage or hocker space and a $100 fuel voucher.
Entry fees for the Supersprint event are $2,790 per car while the Regularity entries are $1,690 per car.
Competitors can enter via the Official Event website, www.challengebathurst.com.au
Details about the Fastrack V8 Race Experience event on 19-20 November can be found at www.fastrackv8race.com.au
