News

The 2021 Bathurst 1000 scheduled date is February 26-28 at the Mount Panorama Circuit, and we expect a thrilling race amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Kayo Sports will stream Bathurst 1000 live on Channel 506, which brings the race live on Android TV, mobile app, or directly via its official website.

Kayo Sports

This digital TV streaming service has two subscription plans: $35/month for three screens and $25/month for two screens. They also offer a 14-day trial period for any plan for new customers only.

You can take advantage of the free trial by subscribing during the Bathurst weekend to watch the race for free and cancel the subscription anytime without paying even a single dime.

I bet you’re now wondering which is the best TV channel to check if you want to watch the entire race. The recommended channel is Fox Sports 506.

That said, there are many Bathurst 1000 live channelsthat you can take advantage of to watch the race online on the go or from the comfort of your home. It’s the best option for the many racing fans looking to catch all the action of ‘The Great Race” glued to their TV, mobile phone, or computer.

Here, we will look at the best ways of watching Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on TV.

Fox Sports

Fox Sports Australia, also known as Foxtel, is the home of sports in the country and a leading digital TV streaming service that allows you to watch all your favorite sports events, such as Bathurst 1000.

You can access Fox Sports Channel 506 that brings Bathurst 1000 via the official site, mobile app, or via third parties’ channels like Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, AT&T TV Now, Fubo TV, etc.

Do you want to watch Bathurst 1000 in 4K?

If yes, you need to subscribe to Foxtel IQ, which requires you to have a 4K UHD TV, Foxtel iQ4 box, Sports HD package ($64/month on a yearly plan), and reliable internet with over 25Mbps.

Foxtel Now

Foxtel Now is compatible with Android TV, PC, Mac, Chromecast, Telstra TV, Airplay, and PlayStation 4. All you need is a Foxtel TV subscription and a reliable internet connection to watch Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 while on the go or from the comfort of your home.

This TV channel also comes with a 10-day trial period that you can take advantage of to watch the race online and free during the Bathurst weekend.

Download their Foxtel GO app for either Android or iOS devices to watch Bathurst 1000 via your smartphone.

Channel 10

Channel 10 is a free-to-air TV with a few ads break and only requires a sign-up process with a valid email address. You can check out this channel if you want to watch Bathurst 1000 live and free on your TV, especially if you live in Australia.

Conclusion

Now, you know which TV channel to select and watch Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 live stream. International users can also watch the race using a VPN service to access some of the above channels or subscribe to Superview for only AU$59.95.

According to Supercars, the 2021 Bathurst 1000 weekend running from February 26-28 will not be the same for this year because the popular campsites will be closed, and only 4000 spectators per day will be allowed.

New South Wales (NSW) Health and Supercars agreed to 4000 spectators per day as a part of the COVID-19 safe plan that will only include reserved seating from Murray’s Corner to Hell Corner. This means the other areas like General Admission at the Mount Panorama won’t be accessible.

Comparing the new spectator rule to that of 2019, a year that saw over 201,000 fans at the circuit, and the fifth consecutive year to host over 200,000 fans.

This year, other regulations include closing the campsite, prohibited paddock access, and no autograph sessions.

The limited number of spectators was allowed after the NSW government agreed to increase the stadiums’ crowd limit from 25% to 50% from October 1. They expect that social distancing will be adhered to, and it wasn’t going to be possible with unseated, general admission areas.

Here are some rules set for the 2021 Bathurst 1000 tickets

1. Next Tuesday, people who already purchased tickets to The Great Race can access the new allowance in a 24-hour pre-sale window.
2. Furthermore, existing ticket holders can request a refund via Ticketek, or roll the tickers over to 2021.

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer released a statement saying that they are disappointed that they won’t have a full crowd at Bathurst, but happy they can offer a limited attendance all the same. He added that it was quite hard to prepare Mount Panorama Track to meet COVID-19 regulations because there is no dedicated seating.

Seamer was very thankful to Bathurst Regional Council and the NSW government for creating a plan that allows you them to host limited fans as they witness a new King of the Mountains when being crowned with the Peter Brock trophy.

He concluded that despite the Mount Panorama hosting limited fans, what matters the most is the safety of the few fans attending the event.

Similarly, Mayor Bobby Bourke noted that a limited crowd number is a massive blow to the Bathurst economy, especially the hospitality industry. Still, he is delighted that the event is going on as planned.

Bourke stated the even though the 2021 event took a different turn, unlike previous years because of the limited crowd numbers; the Council was pleased with the planning for a COVID-safe environment by relevant government agencies and Supercars.

He added that it’s a significant credit to have Bathurst 1000 going on amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They look forward to welcoming the teams and limited fans to share the excitement with thousands of other watching the most iconic motorsport event via TV or streaming online.

2021 Bathurst 1000 ticketing details:

• Only 4000 tickets per day from reserved seating at the bottom of Mount Panorama.
• Top of Mount Panorama access is prohibited.
• Paddock area and back of garages access are prohibited.
• No public camping.
• No autograph sessions.
• Ticket holders can either request a refund via Ticketek or roll the tickets to 2021.

The 2020 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 is still happening amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the event is scheduled to take place from October 15-18.

Supercars and other relevant sports agencies have introduced the ‘Significant Other’ rule. Such a move allows each driver to have at least one registered person of their choice, who can access the Supercars Championship paddock for this year’s Bathurst 1000.

In June, there was an increase in personnel limits during the final event of the 2020 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship. The introduction of additional personnel was meant to make the resumption possible for the event, and it has only been altered once ever since.

However, be sure to note that they are doing regarding creating a COVID-safe environment for the limited fans, drivers, and other staff allowed at the Mount Panorama Circuit.

News coming in is that driver’s families have now been given some specific allowance with additional freedoms while attending the Great Race.

The new rule states that:

“For this Event, the Driver and the additional Driver for each REC are permitted access for one (1) significant other, who will be authorized access to the VCS paddock and the front 50% of the Teams garage.”

Children can also attend the race as long as the ‘Significant Other‘ accompanies them. All attendees must be registered on the personnel form.

Additionally, 2020 Bathurst 1000 regulations state that:

 “Access to the VASC Paddock will be restricted to Main Game teams (as per the approved D24. Notification of Endurance Performance Personnel Form (F.13)) and approved staff, broadcasters, media and contractors.”

For instance, OTR SuperSprint The Bend between September 26-27, there was no allowance for children or significant other listed on the personnel form. This contrasts with what Supercar’s new rule stated, but maybe it’s only meant for the 2020 Bathurst 1000 final event.

You’ll only be able to access Mount Panorama Supercars Championship Paddock, only if your lanyard to the event has a relevant sticker attached to it.

Other regulations include:

• Performance personnel allocation increased from 11-12 people.
• Non-performance personnel allocation increased from 1 person to 4 people.
• There is a nomination of a COVID-19 Compliance Officer for each team, and social distancing should always be maintained.

Everybody attending the event must have tested negative for the COVID-19, including even the asymptomatic testing.

The rule (4.1.7) states that: 

“There will be a requirement for any person who resides in certain areas of NSW (and/or visited a location of possible contact) in the lead up to the event to undertake asymptomatic COVID-19 testing. And further information will be sent to all Teams under separate cover.”

Corporate facilities are still prohibited even to team members who also need to go to the pit complex floor to use toilets.

Supercars have also added an extra hour of practice, with half of it dedicated to co-drivers only. They further named Tim Schenken as the Race Director, after he missed out last time because of the New South Wales-Victoria border closure.

Even with new rules, one thing that is yet to be declared mandatory is wearing masks. But we will be expecting to see attendees wearing masks as advised by most governments and other relevant health agencies. 

Kelly Racing Cars are always featured in Bathurst 1000, including this year’s race, which is taking place between October 15-18 at the Mount Panorama Circuit.

Toddy Kelly is looking forward to having his team’s engine weight reduced, especially for the Ford Mustang pair, to make them the most stable and comfortable cars ever at the Great Race.

So far, the team has progressed well in lightening the engine ancillaries in the #15 Castrol Racing Car speculated to grace its first run at The Bend Motorsport Park, while the engine for the #7 Ned Racing entry is still in pieces in Queensland.

Kelly believes that engine weight reduction will help them perform better at tracks they have struggled at in 2020, and the upcoming 2020 Bathurst 1000 at Mount Panorama. But they will only test their theory of lightening the engine come 2021 since this season is concluding in October 2020.

He noted that new fixed cars would be pretty comfortable to be driven by the guys. He expects the cars to be probably the most stable and comfortable ones ever featured at Bathurst, for both Rick and Andree, together with their co-drivers.

Kelly further stated that they have been permanently stronger as a team at higher speed circuits, no matter the car involved, be it the Nissan or any other model. He even talked of how his primary concern is to put the team in the right direction as they fix the tighter street circuit handling issues reported.

“I’m quite interested to get back to one of those places next year with a different car than what we had this year and hopefully have a much better weekend than what we had at those joints.”

He also expects the full weight reduction to be complete by the time the team returns to Darwin and Townsville next year, which are some of the troublesome circuits for the team.

The main engine parts considered for weight reduction include the block, the cylinder heads, and inlet manifolds. They want to maintain an engine weight of 200 kg dry, and it’s a process that requires a balancing act that also meets technical requirements.

Kelly explained that the engine must have a minimum weight and exact center of gravity position. Therefore, you can’t lighten it right down and then put all the weight on the bottom. You must assemble the engine in an innovative way that reduces its overall weight and still meets all the rules involved.

He concluded that’s why they may need more time to perfect since they can’t do it on the run, but so far, he is happy with the progress they have achieved. However, we can expect more in the coming year for the Kelly Racing Cars, competing against Holden and the others.

The more engine weight reduction met and still stay within the rules, the more Kelly Racing Cars will have a high chance of scooping more wins and setting new records.

For more Bathurst 1000 news visit Supercars.com and if you want to watch Bathurst 1000 live online visit Bathurst1000info.