"IT will be the best yet ... there won't be a minute without action."
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That is what Bathurst 6 Hour event manager Ken Collier has promised for the 2021 edition at Mount Panorama after it was revealed that the program would include seven categories.
It is exciting news given the event was unable to go ahead this year to due COVID-19, with both its planned Easter meeting and Bathurst International appearance cancelled.
"We had two attempts at running the Bathurst 6 Hour in 2020, but it wasn't to be. In 2021, we are going to get there, and we promise that it will be the best yet," Collier said.
"Our production car competitors have been very resilient during the COVID period. We were so close to getting the event on, but to have almost every single entrant reconfirm for 2021 is an outstanding response.
"We expect that we will have well over 50 entrants, and possibly even tip over 60."
While the event, to be held from April 2-4, will be headlined by the Bathurst 6 Hour enduro for production cars, it will also feature six support categories.
Supporting the 6 Hour will be the turbo-charged TCR Australia touring cars, featuring big names and big brands as they take on their first-ever race around Mount Panorama.
The roar of the GT World Challenge Australia will be heard at the Mount and act as a part of the new global championship for the best domestic GT3 and GT4 race cars. Bathurst driver Brad Schumacher is expected to form part of the grid.
The National Trans Am category will get its first opportunity for a full-blown race around the 6.213 kilometre track, set to unleash its American V8 muscle on the track's big straights.
The event will also include the MRF Challenge for the popular Hyundai Excel racers, Radical Australia's dynamic sports cars and the ever-green New South Wales Historic Touring Cars.
"To have a great support cast just adds to the magic nature of the event. It will be the first-ever race for TCR Australia and Trans Am, and the return of GT cars to Bathurst is always special," Collier said.
"And expect big fields for the Hyundai Excels, Radical and Historic racers. There won't be a minute without action."
With fans eager to get trackside, the Australian Racing Group is pleased to confirm that tickets for the Easter motorsport festival are now on sale, including campsites and corporate hospitality.
For general ticket holders, free access to the grandstand on Pit Straight will be available, while the bottom campground behind the pit complex will be open for camping.
"After the cancellation of the Bathurst 6 Hour in 2020 it will be great to see the event return to the mountain in its traditional Easter time slot," Bathurst Mayor Bobby Bourke said.
"I'm looking forward to welcoming competitors and teams to Mount Panorama for this popular event on the Mount Panorama calendar."
Current COVID-19 restrictions are in place and are subject to change in the lead-up to the event.