First support category confirmed for Bathurst 6 Hour

THE first support category piece of Bathurst’s Easter enduro for 2027 is in place.

Improved Production has been announced as a support category to the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, to be held over the Easter weekend of March 26-28 next year.

Competitors from state-based Improved Production competitions around the country will assemble to compete in the marquee IPRA Bathurst Cup, which returns to the Bathurst 6 Hour event after last appearing in 2025.

Expressions of interest for entries will open later this month, with a grid of 55 cars expected.

Entry fees for the IPRA Bathurst Cup are $3,500 including one practice session, one qualifying session, four races on the Mount Panorama circuit and a competitor marquee allocation. Competitors must hold a full Motorsport Australia Circuit Race Licence to participate.

When the IPRA field last took on the Mountain, all three races and the IPRA Bathurst Cup were won by SA-based Holden Monaro driver, Adam Poole.

Accomplished grass roots motorsport operator, Terry Denovan, will manage expressions of interest, entries and other event logistics for the category’s Bathurst showing.

“Improved Production has built a terrific relationship with the Bathurst 6 Hour promoters, ARG, over recent years,” said Brett Watters, national administrator of IPRA Australia.

“We bring a huge and diverse grid to Bathurst, and our competitors consistently put on a fantastic show for spectators at the circuit and those watching across Australia through television and live streaming.

“Mount Panorama is one of the most challenging and respected circuits in the country. The opportunity to race there is something our competitors value enormously, and we expect interest in the 2027 event to be extremely strong.”

Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour Event Manager, Sally Parkinson, spoke favourably about the category’s return to Australian Racing Group’s Easter event, which has now effectively become a national festival for state-based motorsport categories in addition to the 6 Hour production car endurance race.

“We are delighted to have the IPRA Bathurst Cup returning to the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour in 2027,” said Parkinson.

“In both 2025 and also 2024, the IPRA category management and competitors were well organised, passionate and a pleasure to work with.”

“As one of Australia’s strongest grass roots motorsport categories, IPRA is an ideal fit with the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour and we look forward to the category producing more great racing at Mount Panorama.”