The Bathurst 12 Hour is planning a significant expansion, transforming from a 12-hour endurance race into a four-day event. This ambitious move aims to boost interest and participation, with a particular focus on the GT4 category. The race has seen a surge in popularity, attracting 35 cars this year, a remarkable increase from just 22 entries in previous years. However, the GT4 class has faced challenges, with only two cars participating, despite its local sprint series drawing over 30 cars. The main obstacle is the speed advantage of GT3 cars and the high costs associated with endurance racing. To address this, the Bathurst 12 Hour director, Shane Rudzis, is exploring a groundbreaking idea: hosting a GT4 sprint round within the event. This proposal includes adding a Thursday track running day, designated as a GT3 testing session, to prepare amateur drivers. The event's packed schedule, which already includes the Ferrari Challenge and Combined Sedans support categories, as well as Gen3 Supercars test sessions, could accommodate this new addition. The expansion plan has been under discussion with stakeholders, and further talks are scheduled for the upcoming weekend. This strategic move aims to enhance the event's appeal, providing more track time for various categories and potentially attracting more GT4 cars. The event's popularity and the involvement of major manufacturers make this a feasible and exciting prospect, offering a pathway for young drivers and creating a more inclusive and engaging experience for all participants and spectators.
