THE inaugural Bathurst International has become the latest victim of COVID-19 with organisers forced to postpone it until 2021.
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The first instalment of the event was to be held on Mount Panorama in November featuring TCR Australia, S5000, Touring Car Masters, Trans Am, Porsche Sprint Challenge, Radical, Heritage Touring Cars, Excel Challenge and the Holden Bathurst Revival.
Australian Racing Group (ARG) and Bathurst Regional Council had developed a COVID-safe plan to allow the event to go ahead with more than 350 race cars and drivers and more than 2000 support crew and volunteers, but continuing uncertainty over border restrictions has forced the postponement.
Organisers said competing teams' business interests outside of the Bathurst International meant they could not afford 14 days in quarantine before or after the event and while decisions on when border restrictions might be eased remain up in the air, there was no choice but to abandon this year's event.
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ARG CEO Matt Braid said organisers faced an impossible situation.
"We have waited as long as practical to make this decision but we needed to consider local businesses, competitors and their families, our volunteers and other service providers and provide a timely decision so as not adversely impact their families, their plans or incur unnecessary costs," Mr Braid said.
"This event was not based around a singular product but a wide and varied motorsport entertainment package which involved over 2000 people attending before the inclusion of fans, families, friends, sponsors, service providers, event staff and broadcast personnel.
"To deliver an event of this magnitude required it to be delivered in the right way and in the current environment that is just not possible."
Bathurst mayor Bobby Bourke said it was disappointing the Bathurst International would not get off the ground this year but he was looking forward to next year.
"We look forward to 2021 and Mount Panorama hosting the first Bathurst International and bringing the excitement of this planned new event to Bathurst," Cr Bourke said.
"Council went through an extensive process to select a new fifth event for Mount Panorama and we can't wait to see the event come to life next year."
Mr Baird said ARG would now turn its attention to the 2021 Bathurst 6 Hour from April 2-4.
"We can't wait to showcase a great production car race along with other exciting categories, live and free with our broadcast partner Seven," he said.
Dates for the 2021 Bathurst International have yet to be confirmed but it is expected to again be scheduled for late in the year.
Refunds to anyone who purchased tickets to next month's event will be automatically processed by Ticketmaster within seven business days.
Refunds will also be provided to anyone who purchased a campsite and should be processed within 14 business days.
Campers who have not received a refund after 14 business days should contact Bathurst Regional Council on 6333 6111.
