Sydney to host new 10-hour endurance race

Run by the Australian Racing Drivers Club, the event will held at Sydney Motorsport Park between January 13 and 15 next year, and will be open to Production Touring and Production Sports Cars.

While a 10-hour race in total, it will be stages over two five-hour segments. It will start on the Saturday evening and run into the twilight, before being stopped and then re-started on Sunday morning.

Fans will be encouraged to camp at SMP for the event, and take part in a ‘pit party’ between track action on the Saturday night.

“We are always working to add to our events program at Sydney Motor Sport Park and especially with something as exciting as the 10 hours of Sydney,” said ARDC CEO Glenn Matthews.

“This race will ensure Sydney Motor Sport Park is the starting point for the 2017 season and an enjoyable way to start the New Year for both competitors and spectators alike.

“We are certain that within a few short years the 10 Hours of Sydney will be held in the same esteem as other major events held at the venue, including the Muscle Car Masters, World Time Attack Challenge and Sydney Retro Racefest.”

Former Shannons Nationals boss Rob Curkpatrick will oversee event operations, and says the plan is to have up to 50 entries for its first running next January.

“There was a hole in the marketplace for an event of this type, which puts the focus on competitor enjoyment and an inclusive eligibility list that allows a wide range of cars to compete,” said Rob Curkpatrick.

“The ARDC had the vision to embrace the concept and do something ‘outside the box’ that offers something different for competitors and spectators alike,” he said.

“The rules allow for a wide range of Production Touring and Production Sports cars that can be reasonably modified to better suit this style of racing.

“The event sits on its own and isn’t designed to compete with other endurance races on the calendar. We think it’s complimentary – hence the decision to broaden the Production Car eligibility requirements without stretching to GT3 vehicles.

“Early feedback from prospective competitors has been strong and we are expecting a grid of up to 50 cars for the inaugural race.”

More than 200 different types of car are on the eligibility list, with organisers permitting “common sense modifications to allow some freedoms not otherwise allowed at alternate events”.

The event will be run on a yet-to-be-confirmed R-spec control tyre.