South Australia gears up for a high-octane weekend with the Airtouch 500 at The Bend

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South Australia is set to roar with excitement this weekend as more than 40,000 motorsport fans descend on Shell V-Power Motorsport Park for the inaugural AirTouch 500 endurance race from 12–14 September.

It marks the first time the state-of-the-art venue will host a Supercars endurance round, with the 500-kilometre showdown kicking off the coveted Repco Supercars Enduro Cup. Fans will also witness a world-first double billing, with the Repco Supercars Championship and FIA Kumho TCR World Tour racing side by side. The blockbuster line-up is rounded out by Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Trico National Trans Am Series, karting, microsprints, aerial stunt shows, and family-friendly entertainment across the precinct.

Camping has proven one of the hottest tickets of the year, with trackside sites now completely sold out. Nearly 3,000 campers are expected to set up swags and caravans right alongside the action, while limited spaces remain on the Dragway.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said the appetite for the AirTouch 500 reflects South Australia’s reputation as a world-class event host. “The Bend has quickly established itself as one of Australia’s premier motorsport venues, and this weekend’s Airtouch 500 takes it to the next level with a world-first program,” she said. “Hosting international categories alongside Australia’s Supercars reinforces our state’s reputation for staging globally significant events while driving real tourism and economic benefits into our regions. With more than 40,000 people expected over the weekend, including nearly 3,000 campers, it’s also a boost for local businesses and communities in the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong.”

The weekend also comes with the major news that Shell V-Power Motorsport Park has secured the Enduro at The Bend for the next three years, cementing its place on the national motorsport calendar. To match the ambition, the venue has unveiled a suite of upgrades, including Australia’s first permanent Formula One–style starting lights, Smart Marshalling technology, and brand-new curbing.

Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO Alistair MacDonald said the developments show South Australia is serious about motorsport. “Securing the Enduro at The Bend for the next three years shows the strength of our motorsport offering and the investment we’re making into the future—these innovations ensure The Bend remains a world-class destination for fans and competitors alike.”

Founder Sam Shahin added that the track is ready to aim even higher. “Our ambition has always been to create a circuit capable of attracting the world’s greatest motorsport events. This three-year deal, combined with the roll-out of F1-standard technology, demonstrates that The Bend has the credibility and capability to host championships of MotoGP calibre and beyond.”

Supercars CEO James Warburton echoed the sentiment, calling The Bend a circuit “purpose-built for endurance racing” and praising South Australia’s passionate motorsport community.