Tailem Bend confirmed for Supercars 2018 calendar

The Bend Motorsport Park will host a points-paying round of the Supercars during its 2018 calendar, which was officially revealed today.

The motorsport precinct at Tailem Bend is currently under construction, but is due for completion by early 2018, well in advance of the August 24-26 dates that have been set.

Speaking to MOTOR during the park’s development, development manager at The Bend Paul Trengove said the main track will be ready by January at its current rate.

“We’re hoping the main circuit stays on track to be finished by January, and the pits will be mostly complete then too,” Trengove says.

Knowing that Supercars would want to keep the two SA-based rounds separate, Trengrove said it would likely be late in the calendar.

It has now been revealed that the Bend SuperSprint will take place after the Sydney SuperSprint, but before the Sandown 500.

Supercars has also turned its Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix round into a points-awarding race for the first time.

Supercars CEO James Warburton told Supercars that the two changes will help keep the Supercars season flowing.

“We have added two new feature events in the Australian Grand Prix and Tailem Bend while improving our continuity and momentum through the season,” Warburton said.

“Competing for Championship points for the first time at the Australian Grand Prix has been a long-term goal for our sport and we are honoured to be able to do so on such an international stage.

“Tailem Bend will be a premier motor racing circuit in Australasia and one we are delighted to be making our debut at in August as part of an initial a four-year deal.”

The first round of 2018 kicks off not far from Tailem at the Adelaide 500 on March 1.