Bathurst decider, date change confirmed

It’s official: The 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship will conclude in grand fashion at its showpiece event.

The title will officially be decided at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, at a new race date of October 18.

After many COVID-forced changes to the calendar, Supercars CEO Sean Seamer has confirmed the post-Townsville run to the finish line will involve a Tailem Bend doubleheader next month and, finally, the Great Race.

That will make for a 10-round season, plus the Beaurepaires Melbourne 400 that was cut short before a race had been run.

A Bathurst decider, where 300 championship points will be up for grabs in a gruelling 1000km race, has already been endorsed by title contenders Scott McLaughlin and Jamie Whincup.

The 2020 event will mark just the third time in the category’s 60-year history that Mount Panorama hosts the championship finale: having settled the 1999 and 2000 season winners.

“This is our marquee event on the calendar and this year it will also be our series decider, making it an even more memorable occasion,” Seamer said.

“We looked at all options beyond Bathurst as well as the best options for our Victorian teams, who will have been on the road for over 100 days by the completion of the event.

“Getting those drivers, team personnel and officials’ home to loved ones was at the forefront of this decision.”

Seamer added pushing the event back a week will give teams the opportunity to best prepare for a “fitting farewell for our 60th year of racing”.

“The October 18 date change was made to allow all teams adequate time to prepare for the biggest event of the year,” he said.

Ticketing options for the October 15-18 event are currently under consideration and will be announced in due course.

“Supercars will continue working closely with NSW Health, Bathurst Regional City Council, emergency services, broadcasters and the NSW Government on planning for the 2020 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000,” said Seamer.

“We will meet all COVID-19 safety requirements necessary to ensure this year’s Great Race goes ahead.”

Supercars will be back in action next weekend for the Robson Civil Projects Townsville SuperSprint.