The restructure has been made in direct response to the ongoing and rapidly changing situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, with the health and welfare of all potential attendees a priority for both ARG and Council.
With the event only just over three weeks away for the Easter (April 10-12) long weekend, the Bathurst 6 Hour will now be contested in November as part of a restructured Bathurst International event, offering competitors, stakeholders, spectators and the local community ample time to plan ahead.
“The key priority of Australian Racing Group is to the safety of all attending the event and to those in the Bathurst region. ARG also wishes to ensure a minimal amount of disruption as possible to competitors, suppliers, spectators and members of the local community,” said ARG CEO Matt Braid.
“A key consideration in the current environment is where possible make a decision and communicate it as early as possible. We appreciate the assistance of the council in working with us to enable immediate confirmation of the revised date in November.
“This early decision will ideally offer all parties committed to the event as much time as possible to alter travel arrangements and their own planning to suit the new date.
“ARG is highly aware of the importance of the economic impact generated by events at Mount Panorama to the city of Bathurst and the surrounding region, especially considering the recent catastrophic bushfires in New South Wales.
“The ideal outcome of the date change will be an even larger and more vibrant event in November than initially planned, one that positively enhances the local region and those participating at it.”
Mayor Bobby Bourke said the safety of the community was incredibly important.
“While it’s disappointing to see Bathurst 6 Hour postponed, community safety takes priority,” he said.
“Bathurst Regional Council continues to follow the advice of the state and federal health departments on how to respond to COVID-19 and that includes not allowing gatherings of 500 people or greater”.
“I look forward to working with ARG to bring a bigger and exciting event to Mount Panorama in November”.