The Bathurst 12H Could Become GT3-Only Race By Next Year: A Shift in the Racing Landscape
The Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour, an iconic Australian endurance race, is on the cusp of a significant change. According to event director Shane Rudzis, the race could become a GT3-only event as early as next year. This development comes amidst a proposal to introduce the SRO Motorsports Group’s Monochrome GT4 Australia series as a support race, reflecting the growing popularity of top-class GT entries in the Australian enduro.
A Growing Trend
The recent race weekend featured 35 cars, with all but four being GT3 entries, marking the largest car count since the 2020 edition. This trend is not isolated; the Nürburgring 24 has also phased out GT4s, and both the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa and Suzuka 1000km have become exclusively GT3 events. This shift is driven by the increasing popularity and competitiveness of GT3 cars, which are now a staple in global motorsport.
The Role of GT4 and Other Classes
Rudzis explains that GT4 and other slower classes, like the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup category, played a crucial role in building the event in the mid-to-late 2010s when GT3 was still gaining traction in Australia. These classes helped attract a diverse grid and build the event’s reputation. However, with the surge in GT3 entries and the commitment of manufacturers like Toyota to the IGTC, the race is now poised for a natural evolution.
The Future of Bathurst 12H
Rudzis views the shift to a GT3-only race as a natural evolution rather than a goal to eliminate other classes. The event promoter Supercars is also exploring expanding the Bathurst 12 Hour into a four-day event, adding a paid test day on the Thursday of the weekend. This move aims to enhance the event’s safety and efficiency, providing teams with more time to prepare and drivers with additional practice opportunities.
Balancing Act
The event’s current mid-February date is largely welcomed by competitors, offering a buffer after the festive season and before other major events like Daytona. However, Supercars must carefully balance this date with other global events, including Asian Le Mans, Chinese New Year, and Ramadan, to maximize entries and attract the best drivers in the world.
Thought-Provoking Questions
This shift in the Bathurst 12H raises several questions. Will the removal of GT4 and other classes diminish the event’s diversity and history? How will the introduction of a paid test day affect the event’s accessibility and inclusivity? These are questions that the racing community and fans alike are eager to discuss and debate. As the event evolves, it will be crucial to maintain the balance between tradition and innovation, ensuring that the Bathurst 12H remains a premier endurance race for years to come.
