Supercars test day could be lured to The Bend
In what shapes as a major endorsement for The Bend, Supercars confirms it is investigating bringing the category’s pre-season test day to the purpose-built track to launch the 2020 season.
Tailem Bend is set to become one of the jewels on next year’s Supercars calendar, as chances strengthen that the state-of-the-art circuit will host the championship’s 2020 pre-season test day.
And in a possible dual bonus, the venue is increasingly likely to win star billing alongside the famed Bathurst 1000 by joining next year’s Enduro Cup.
Supercars chief executive Scott Seamer yesterday confirmed series bosses were “working through the logistics” of bringing the official session to The Bend.
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The test day, traditionally held in February, serves as the sole on-track chance for drivers and teams to trial their off-season changes to cars.
It is also commonly the first glimpse fans have at seeing teams’ new liveries and paint schemes racing at full speed.
It is unclear whether the test day would be open to spectators.
Timing of the test session — expectedly within a fortnight of the opening round at the
Adelaide 500 — could also mean Supercars staging its season launch in South Australia.
Last year’s test day was at Victoria’s Phillip Island, following a season launch in Melbourne.
The on-track sessions were not mandatory but all 24 entries attended.
Managing director at The Bend, Sam Shahin, said while no guarantees had yet been offered by Supercars, circuit chiefs were eager to maximise the track’s exposure in Australia’s premier motorsport category.
“Having the official Supercars test day at The Bend is something we have aspired to for quite some time and the decision is in the hands of Supercars,” Shahin said.
“But as a proud South Australian I am thrilled that motorsport participants, categories, organisers and owners have been pleased with what they have seen and experienced here across the past almost two years.
“We have always put up our hands to bring more events to South Australia across the motorsport calendar.
“The test day is a landmark event in the motorsport calendar — it heralds the start of the motorsport calendar in Australia and it would be incredibly exciting to host it in South Australia if Supercars come to that decision.”
The Bend has previously been linked to a move to the 2020 Enduro Cup, joining the Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600 in the three-event co-driver format.
It would likely slot in as the opening race in the Enduro Cup, replacing Sandown.
It is understood The Bend would adopt Sandown’s 500km Sunday race while Sandown would revert to twin 250km races.
Supercars expected to announce next season’s schedule within the coming two weeks.
The Bend stages the next round of the 2019 Supercars series — currently led by defending drivers champion Scott McLaughlin — from August 23.