In just over eight weeks the OTR SuperSprint, Round 10 of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, will return to The Bend Motorsport Park from Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th August.
Drivers across the Supercars field are already beginning preparation for the OTR SuperSprint, through participating in a range of upcoming events at The Bend. This weekend Tim Slade will take his father Gil Slade’s spot in the Excel Cup alongside a huge 46 entries in the CAMS State Championships (June 29-30) while Jamie Whincup, a winner at The Bend last year, will pair with Yasser Shahin aboard a Mercedes AMG GT3 in the Australian Endurance Championship as part of the Shannons Nationals (July 12-13).
The venue continues its preparation as well, for the biggest spectator event of the year. Whilst the main circuit, 100-room hotel, and karting track is in full operation, there have been a range of developments across the park since last August. The BIG4 Holiday Park completed last December is fully booked accommodating 1,400+ race fans, whilst another 600 campers will enjoy trackside camping.
Landscaping across the facility has included the planting of 3,000+ trees, and recently work has started on the construction of a permanent pit straight grandstand (previously temporary), providing additional undercover viewing for visitors to events at The Bend all year round. Plans are also in place to assist in an improved exit from the venue, with additional exits and parking attendants and provisions for an additional temporary lane on the Dukes Highway into Tailem Bend.
A street party in Tailem Bend is amongst several new initiatives, which will kick off the event Thursday evening, with the closure of Railway Terrace from 3pm. Action on track includes popular categories such as Historic Touring Cars, and the Porsche PAYCE Carrera Cup plus Red Bull Air Racer Matt Hall, will light up the sky with displays throughout the weekend. Evening entertainment includes Friday night drifting and Saturday night live music on the paddock main stage. Fans eager to test their own driving skills can also book hire karts during each day of the event. Complete event and entertainment details are listed on The Bend website. Race goers wanting to get a sense of the latest developments at The Bend can attend the CAMS State Championships this weekend, entry is free. Categories include HQ Holden’s, Improved Production, Saloon Cars, Historic Racing, Group N, and Sports Cars.
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