It’s happened. V8 Supercars will take over the promotional rights to the Bathurst 12 Hour race. Here’s the first few paragraphs of the announcement:
In a landmark agreement for GT Racing in Australia, Supercars Events, in partnership with Bathurst Regional Council, has acquired the rights to manage the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour Event at Mount Panorama from 2016, bringing its specialist major events expertise to the growing fixture.
Supercars Events (operating as a business of V8 Supercars), Yeehah Events and Bathurst Regional Council agreed to the acquisition this week with the collective vision of growing the international race significantly into the future.
“Yeehah Events’ James O’Brien and his team have done a fantastic job to establish the event and we are very proud to be able to add our expertise to take it to the next level,†V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton said.
The Bathurst 12 Hour race has become not only a credible GT3 event attracting an enviable overseas competition base, but just as importantly, it has become a great alternative for motorsport fans not wanting to battle the crowds of the traditional V8 Supercars race in October.
As race fans we just have to hope this is good news and not a threat to the success of the event or a precursor to jacked up pricing.
Most Facebook comments to the V8 Supercars page are less than forgiving:
Tania Fragar Another one bites the dust for the public and FTA. This event is the best car race of the year even without the V8 drivers. It’s one we can afford to go to free pit access and family friendly and has world class cars and drivers.
Gary Jay What about the years after 2016, Supercars, still free to air.? Or will you blow off more supporters for TV cash?
Keith Hellyer Well thats certainly the end of the Bathurst 12hr as we know it. V8’s will do its best to capitalise by putting prices through the roof and amalgamate the 2. I stopped following the v8s because of the way they ruined it over the years. Please dont ruin the 12hr!
On the plus side, here’s a best case scenario:
Mark Pickering The first step towards GT3 becoming the biggest category in Australia – we all know Gen2 is a dog … At least this way Warburton and co and transition to GT3 slowly but surely …
[Source: Bathurst 12 Hour]
