V8 Supercars has completed a deal to purchase the management rights to the Bathurst 12 Hour.

In an announcement today, V8 Supercars confirmed that it will take over management of the race from James O’Brien’s Yeehah Events.

CEO James Warburton underlined the category’s commitment to the race’s GT format and existing Seven Network television agreement for 2016, with no V8 Supercars track action planned.

V8 Supercars’ move to gain control of the 12 Hour was revealed by Speedcafe.com earlier this month.

It follows a date clash between the growing Bathurst event and V8 Supercars’ pre-season test this year that prevented the touring car category’s stars from competing in the GT race.

“Yeehah Events’ James O’Brien and his team have done a fantastic job to establish the event and we are very proud to be able to add our expertise to take it to the next level,” said Warburton.

O’Brien, who revived the 12 Hour in 2007 initially as a production car race, says the resources of Supercars Events can take it to the next level.

“It has been an interesting journey and an event I am proud of,” O’Brien said.

“The work and dedication of so many stakeholders, not least the officials and volunteers, has been humbling.

“The Liqui-Moly 12 Hour is now ready to establish itself as a major international endurance event, however to achieve this it needs an organisation with the right resources.

“Supercars Events is the right team to realise our vision and continue what we began all those years ago.”

Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council Cr Gary Rush added his desire to see the 12 Hour’s recent growth continue under its new management.

“Council is excited to be entering into a new arrangement for the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour and we look forward to being involved in the continued growth of the event,” said Rush.

“We have been a partner in the 12 Hour with Yeehah Events from the start and this is another step in the evolution of the event which has firmly established itself on the motorsport calendar.

“Mount Panorama is an iconic motor racing precinct and the growth and increasing popularity of the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour together with the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 can only be positive for both our city and motorsports in Australia, and provide a boost to not only our local economy but that of NSW.

“James O’Brien had a vision and passion for the Bathurst 12-Hour and we thank him for that commitment.”