The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia is set to host the much-anticipated 2025 The Bend 500, a significant event in the Repco Supercars Championship calendar. Originally scheduled for 2020, the race was postponed due to the global pandemic. Now, five years later, it returns to the spotlight as the traditional warm-up to the prestigious Bathurst 1000.
Racing enthusiasts can look forward to three days of thrilling track action, beginning with practice sessions on Friday, September 12. The schedule includes a trio of half-hour practice sessions, with Practice 1 and Practice 3 open to all drivers, while co-drivers will take the wheel in Practice 2. The excitement continues on Saturday with additional practice sessions, followed by a qualifying round and the Top 10 Shootout to finalize the starting grid. The main event, the inaugural AirTouch 500, will commence on Sunday at 1:45 pm local time.
The Return of The Bend 500
The Bend Motorsport Park, located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Adelaide, is a premier racing venue that has been eagerly awaiting its chance to host this event. The track’s unique layout and state-of-the-art facilities make it a favorite among drivers and fans alike. The 500-kilometer race serves as a crucial prelude to the Bathurst 1000, offering teams a final opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and vehicles.
The Bend Motorsport Park is commercially known as Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, a testament to its standing in the motorsport community.
This year, the race will feature several notable driver pairings, with only eight co-driver line-ups remaining unchanged from the previous year. Among these is the Bathurst-winning duo of Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood, who have transitioned from Erebus to Dick Johnson Racing. Triple Eight Race Engineering maintains its line-up across both cars, while other stable combinations include Matt Payne/Garth Tander and Andre Heimgartner/Declan Fraser.
Driver Line-Ups and Team Changes
The 2025 event sees some high-profile changes in driver line-ups. Mark Winterbottom makes a return to Tickford Racing, partnering with Cam Waters, which has resulted in James Moffat moving to Thomas Randle’s Mustang. Additionally, Nick Percat and Tim Slade form an all-South Australian team for Matt Stone Racing, while Walkinshaw Andretti United introduces Jayden Ojeda alongside Ryan Wood, with Fabian Coulthard shifting back to Chaz Mostert’s car.
Notable partnerships include Will Brown with Scott Pye for Triple Eight Race Engineering and Chaz Mostert with Fabian Coulthard for Walkinshaw Andretti United.
How to Watch and Follow The Bend 500
Fans can catch all the action live on Foxtel and Kayo Sports, with coverage spanning all three days of the event. International viewers can tune in via Supercars’ SuperView service, while New Zealand audiences have access through Sky Sports Now and Sky Go. For those unable to watch live, Speedcafe will provide real-time updates from every session, ensuring fans stay informed of all developments.
Broadcast Schedule
- Friday, September 12: Foxtel/Kayo from 11:00 am
- Saturday, September 13: Foxtel/Kayo from 8:30 am
- Sunday, September 14: Foxtel/Kayo from 7:30 am
Weather and Support Categories
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts favorable weather conditions for the event, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 23 degrees Celsius and minimal chances of rain. This should provide an ideal setting for both drivers and spectators.
In addition to the Supercars, the event will feature support categories such as the FIA TCR World Tour, Aussie Racing Cars, Touring Car Masters, Trans Am, and Carrera Cup, ensuring a diverse and exciting weekend of motorsport.
Looking Forward
The Bend 500 is not only a pivotal race in the Supercars Championship but also a celebration of motorsport in South Australia. As teams and drivers gear up for this high-stakes event, fans can expect a weekend filled with adrenaline-pumping action and fierce competition. The outcomes here will likely influence strategies and momentum heading into the Bathurst 1000, making every lap at The Bend crucial.
With tickets available through The Bend Motorsport Park and Supercars’ official websites, fans are encouraged to secure their spots for what promises to be an unforgettable racing experience.
