Supercars gets extension to pitch for new fifth Bathurst event

Traditionally the circuit has held four motorsport events per year, but is opening that up to a fifth slot for 2020.

Supercars is one of three parties still in the running for the opening, along with the Australian Racing Group, which promotes TCR Australia, and tarmac rally specialists Mountain Motorsports.

Both ARG and Mountain Motorsports pitched their proposals to the Bathurst Regional Council last Thursday night, however Supercars is yet to formally meet with the council regarding its submission.

Autosport understands there has been a two-week extension granted to the Aussie touring car series, which already promotes two events - the Bathurst 12 Hour and the Bathurst 1000 - at the circuit.

The council, meanwhile, has reportedly been highly impressed with the two early submissions, one of which is understood to be an international TCR enduro, underpinned by both ARG and the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport.

According to councillor Warren Aubin the strength of the proposals have ensured a fifth event will definitely go ahead, something that up to this point has never been confirmed.

"They both put forward very different programs of racing and displays, which is really good because it's different to what we already have," Aubin told the Western Advocate newspaper.

"Both groups are talking about bringing out cars and drivers from overseas.

"One group is talking about bringing people from America, New Zealand and Europe... which is really exciting.

"When we said that we don't have to choose an event, trust me, there is going to be one."