Supercars to return to SA as Shahins strike The Bend deal

Outraged race fans have had their local V8 spectacle restored but the man behind the new deal says diehards must now vote with their feet to secure its long-term future.

Elite V8 car racing will return to South Australia after a deal between the Shahin family, Supercars Australia and the State Government to schedule a championship race at Tailem Bend next year.

The Bend Motorsport Park owner Sam Shahin confirmed the deal on Saturday, nearly two weeks after Supercars had released a 13-event draft calendar which did not include a race in SA.

But The Bend is now scheduled to host a round of the nation’s most high-profile car racing title on July 29-31.

But the Sunday Mail understands the calendar remains fluid and an alternative date of early May remains a possibility.

Dr Shahin said he was also in the final stages of inking a long-term contract with Supercars which would see the event locked in until 2025 and guarantee the continuation of South Australia’s decades long tradition with elite motorsport.

Businessman and racetrack owner Sam Shahin. Picture Simon Cross

He said it was now up to the South Australian public to get behind the sport and turn up in numbers to the 2022 race weekend to ensure Supercars Australia would never again threaten the SA race.

When Supercars bosses had hinted that South Australia might fall victim to the state government axing of the Adelaide 500 from 2021 onwards, The Advertiser campaigned to retain an event at The Bend.

“The 2022 race promises to be another success in the championship’s sixth visit to The Bend in five years,” Dr Shahin said.

“We need a favour from Santa though. We need the support of all those that love the sport and those that were outraged to see The Bend not on the first draft calendar to vote with their feet and to come and grace the event with their presence.

“Ultimately, we put on a show and our success or otherwise will ultimately be measured by how much the broader community supports it.

“If the support is there, we will continue to do it.”

Securing Supercar racing to its regional location, about 100 kilometres south-east of Adelaide, has been one of the highlights of The Bend’s short history. Other big ticket items at the track are the Asian Le Mans series, contracted for two more events at The Bend, and the recent Australian Superbike round.

The Bed circuit is rated to cope with global top-tier MotoGP motorcycle racing, but would require small upgrades to accommodate Dr Shahin’s dream to bring back Formula One car racing to SA.

Race 1 of the OTR Supersprint at the 2021 Supercars Championship, at The Bend Motorsport Park at Tailem Bend in May. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

The 7.77km track is the second longest GT-rated facility in the world, and it also has an internationally acclaimed go kart facility, drift tracks, a four-wheel drive adventure park, an off-road rally track, a rallycross track, a hotel, and a holiday park.

“I have kept my promise to maintain and improve the Mallala Motorsport Park as well, and we’ll have some exciting news about that facility also in the near future,’’ Dr Shahin said.

“South Australia has a proud history in all things motoring, from car manufacturing to producing some of the best riders and drivers in the world.

“So many names synonymous with excellence like Vern Schuppan, Garrie Cooper, Ed Ordynski, Russell Ingall, Nick Percat, Scott Pye and Tim Slade just to name a few.

Dr Shahin said South Australia’s long motorsport tradition had been crucial in negotiations to restore the event.

“It would have been incomprehensible for a national championship not to visit every state,” he said. We just had to get an agreement that is sustainable and allows us to build a festival style event in the future.”

Premier Steven Marshall welcomed the decision to schedule a race in SA next year.

“The Bend is drawing elite competition and it’s reputation as a world-class facility is growing each year,” he said.

“Tens of thousands of South Australians cannot wait to enjoy the super cars at what will be an exhilarating weekend of racing at the state’s home of motorsport next year.”