THE Australian Racing Group has announced three of its categories will appear on the support card for the Adelaide 500’s return in December.
In support of the Repco Supercars Championship will be the ever-popular Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters, as well as the S5000 Tasman Series and Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS.
There may yet be more non-ARG categories added to the bill.
The historic South Australian event had seemed doomed after being axed by the former state government in 2020, but was brought back to life as part of an election promise attached to Peter Malinauskas’ campaign which saw him voted in as premier in March.
Motorsport legend and TCM regular John Bowe hailed the chance to go racing around the Adelaide Parklands Circuit once more.
“The Adelaide 500 has always been one of the best events on the calendar and it’s exciting to be part of its return this year,” said the 1995 ATCC/Supercars champion.
“It’s a great, iconic circuit and an incredible event where we all love to show off the fantastic racing that Touring Car Masters produces.
“I’ve raced there every year since the first Grand Prix in 1985 and I don’t think there’s many people who can say that!
“I’ve been fortunate enough to race there in a wide variety of cars but my little Torana is one of the most enjoyable to drive.
“I’m certain Touring Car Masters will produce its usual exciting racing and a great show for the spectators coming to the circuit and those watching at home.
“It’s great news for us as competitors and for the fans who follow TCM religiously and It’s great for the championship to conclude at such an iconic, high-profile event like the Adelaide 500.”
The inclusion of S5000s will see a reunion of open-wheelers in Adelaide, which was the home of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix from 1985 to 1995.
The last time the track hosted open-wheel action was in 2014 for Australian Formula 3.
Adelaide will form the third and final leg of the 2022 Tasman Series, following stops at the Gold Coast 500 and Bathurst International.
GT World Challenge Australia category manager Ken Collier also spoke excitedly of the prospect that awaits in December.
“The Adelaide street circuit is one of the world’s most famous street tracks. Its heritage is based on international competition, and the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS suits this perfectly,” he said.
“GT racing is no stranger to the venue. We’ve seen some classic races there over the years, and I expect the same will be showcased this year.
“Adding this as the final event of the 2022 calendar is fantastic. This is a high-profile category featuring on the return of one of the world’s most popular motorsport festivals.”
