THE Bathurst 6 Hour is on track to set a grid record with an unprecedent number of early entries being received for the 2022 edition.
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Since entries opened a fortnight ago the field already numbers 50 cars - the list of competitors who intend to tackle the Bathurst enduro rapidly closing in on the record 64-strong grid which lined up in 2017.
Entries have been lodged for seven of the eight classes and represent the usual broad spectrum of cars from outright-contending BMW M3 and M4 entries through to the Class E Suzuki Swifts.
"Entries are charging towards the 60 mark and we expect to be there this time next week," Ken Collier, the Bathurst 6 Hour event director, said.
"The level of interest has been remarkable. After the success of this year's race we expected demand to be high, but the number of people committing early is unlike anything this race has ever experienced.
"The Bathurst grid density for the race remains at 72 cars and we aren't that far away from that number, especially when you consider entries don't close until next year.
"From an event point of view, we would urge those considering entering the race to get their paperwork in now because they may end up being in a situation where they miss out on a guaranteed spot."
Since the inaugural edition of the Bathurst 6 Hour in 2016, the race has averaged a 55-car field.
It was in its second year that the 6 Hour equalled the all-time record for an endurance race field at Mount Panorama when 64 starters made the grid.
Of those 14 did not make it to the chequered flag in a race won by Paul Morris and Luke Searle, who did 113 laps in their BMW.
This year 59 cars started the race from the 62 initially entered, the COVID-19 border situation forcing three cars to miss the event.
Early bird entries remain open for the race until November 30 this year, while entries will not close until March 11, 2022.
For the first time it will feature a driver categorisation system, with only one professional permitted per entry.
The 2022 Bathurst 6 Hour will be held across the Easter Long weekend, April 15-17.
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