Exciting times are ahead for all Supercars followers as the 2024 race calendar roars off the grid. While the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour opened the Intercontinental GT Challenge Season on the February 16-18 weekend, the Thrifty Bathurst 500 is taking place at Mt Panorama, in Bathurst on February 23-25.
It’s a whole weekend of Supercars racing at its best. Whether you are at the track or watching at home, it will be awesome to watch. Line up the drinks, call your mates, flip the lid on your Clænsian Hangover Remedy – after two days of exhilarating racing at Mt Panorama – you’ll thank us for it on Monday morning.
Ninety-seven drivers from 18 different nationalities will descend on Mount Panorama this weekend as the world returns to the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour. The remarkably diverse group of drivers – all of whom will be revving their engines and focusing on being first across the finish line – represent the who’s who of both international GT and sportscar racing. Without doubt, they are some of the most successful drivers the sport has seen. The field includes the reigning Repco Bathurst 12 Hour winners, Kenny Habul, Jules Gounon, and Luca Stolz who will aim for a Bathurst historic three-peat this weekend aboard their SunEnergy1 Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3. It's the strongest Repco Bathurst 12 Hour grid in years.
The season-opening event of the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship, the Thrifty Bathurst 500, is set against the iconic backdrop of Mount Panorama. This event promises an exhilarating weekend of motorsport action, entertainment, and adrenaline-fueled excitement.
In addition to showcasing the latest advancements in automotive technology and driver skill, the Thrifty Bathurst 500 serves as a rallying point for motorsport enthusiasts, bringing together fans from across the globe to celebrate their passion for racing. The racing schedule ensures a seamless experience for spectators and participants alike, with each session planned and timed to maximise excitement and competition on the track.
The 97 drivers, hailing from 18 different countries, promises to be a competitive line-up, which is sure to captivate all motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. Among them, the reigning champion Brodie Kostecki will commence his title defence at Bathurst, while Will Brown, his former teammate, will make his eagerly awaited Supercars debut with Triple Eight Race Engineering.
All up, the schedule will deliver more than 20 hours of exhilarating racing action over the course of the weekend, solidifying its position as just one of the many highlights on the Australian motorsport calendar.
The Thrifty Bathurst 500 is more than a race; it's a spectacle. As drivers prepare to tackle one of the world's most challenging circuits, anticipation builds for a weekend of heart-stopping action and unforgettable moments.
The weekend's festivities kick off with two practice sessions on Friday, allowing drivers to fine-tune their strategies and familiarise themselves with the challenging Mount Panorama circuit. The main events take place on Saturday and Sunday, with each day featuring a 250-kilometer race sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
From the roar of engines to the screech of tires, the on-track action at the Thrifty Bathurst 500 promises to be nothing short of electrifying. With every twist and turn of the circuit, drivers will push themselves to the limit in pursuit of victory, while spectators are treated to a sensory feast of speed and excitement.
Adding to the excitement, the Top Ten Shootout will be a key feature on both Saturday and Sunday, determining the pole sitter for Races 1 and Race 2 of the Championship. This high-stakes showdown alone promises to deliver nail-biting moments and set the stage for intense on-track competition.
As if that isn’t enough, in addition to the Supercars action, four support categories will also grace Mount Panorama across the weekend. These include the Dunlop Super2 and Dunlop Super3 Series, providing a platform for aspiring young drivers to showcase their talent and passion for motorsport.
As the pinnacle of Australian motorsport, the Bathurst SuperFest represents a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of racing at its finest. From dawn till dusk, spectators are treated to a spectacle unlike any other, with each event contributing to the rich tapestry of motorsport history at Mount Panorama.
Beyond the thrilling on-track action, the Thrifty Bathurst 500 offers a plethora of off-track entertainment and activation options to enhance the overall experience for fans and attendees. While the track serves as the main stage for high-octane thrills, the surrounding precinct will come alive with a carnival atmosphere, featuring live music, interactive displays, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a die-hard motorsport enthusiast or a casual fan looking for a weekend of fun, there's something for everyone at the Thrifty Bathurst 500.
The Thrifty Bathurst 500 and the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour are proudly supported by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Their commitment underscores the significance of these events in promoting tourism and showcasing the unique appeal of the Bathurst region to a global audience. It represents a celebration of the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and achievement that define these iconic events.
For those unable to attend in person, live coverage of both the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour and the Thrifty Bathurst 500 will be available on the Seven and Foxtel family of networks, ensuring that fans don't miss a moment of the action.
Whether you're tuning in from the comfort of your home or joining us trackside, the Thrifty Bathurst 500 promises to deliver thrills, spills, and unforgettable moments that will leave motorsport enthusiasts of all ages on the edge of their seats; and with Clænsian Hangover Remedy – even if you pace yourself, you’ll wake up on Sunday and Monday morning rerady to face whatever comes your way.