Supercars has confirmed the 2024 season will open with the Bathurst 500 on February 23 to 25, 2024, as a part of a 10-day event that includes the Bathurst 12 Hour at Mount Panorama, dubbed the ‘Bathurst SuperFest’. The Bathurst 12 Hour takes place the week prior, on February 16 to 18.
The news follows an announcement earlier in the month that the Newcastle 500 will not go ahead due to an agreement between Supercars, the local council, and the New South Wales Government not being reached.
The event will feature several support categories, including the opening round of the Super2 and Super3 season.
Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham stated: “The NSW Government is thrilled to partner with Supercars to once again deliver more rounds of the 2024 Supercars series here in NSW than any other state.
“We are particularly excited 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.
“This is a fantastic outcome for the sport, for the fans, for the community of Bathurst and for the people of NSW.”
Supercars CEO Shane Howard added: “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 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.
“We thank the NSW Government and Bathurst Regional Council for supporting our vision to bring something new to fans.”
Mayor of Bathurst Jess Jennings said: “I am thrilled that Supercars has announced that Bathurst will host the season opener, marking the beginning of an exciting race calendar.
“Motorsport fans from Australia and around the world can look forward to witnessing their favourite teams and drivers battle it out on this iconic circuit.”
The event is also the fourth confirmed for 2024, with Taupo (19 to 21 April), the Townsville 500 (July 5 to 7) and the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 (October 25 to 27).
Supercars also indicated that the 2024 calendar will be revealed in the coming days.
