Percat the pride of SA at Bathurst

Nick Percat will be the pride of South Australia at this year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

Percat will be racing a Commodore featuring both the State and Clipsal 500 brands in what will be his 100th Supercars start.

Percat said: “I’m a proud South Aussie, so to represent our great State, our world-class events and stunning tourism experiences will be a career highlight.

“South Australia runs some of the country’s biggest and best events with the Clipsal 500 Adelaide and Santos Tour Down Under attracting almost 1 million spectators alone. I can’t wait to get to Mount Panorama next week where we will be chasing our own Holy Grail.”

The Clipsal 500 Adelaide will kick off the 2017 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 March.

SA Minister for Tourism Leon Bignell said: “The national and international exposure the branded car will generate for our State is absolutely huge, with the car set to debut at the iconic Bathurst 1000, Gold Coast 600 and ITM Auckland Super Sprint.

“Having Nick Percat represent the Clipsal 500 Adelaide is brilliant – not only is he a champion of the race but he is South Australian and the first SA driver to win the Clipsal 500 Adelaide

“The State Government is set to deliver another sensational Clipsal 500 Adelaide in 2017 – having just announced Hunters and Collectors will reunite to perform at the Saturday night concert.

Swiss driver Simona De Silvestro is also joining the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship as the first full-time female driver which is fantastic news for the event.

“The Clipsal 500 Adelaide is the most successful supercar race in Australia, with the 2016 event having an economic impact of $65.6 million. Our Government has invested $70 million to market South Australia nationally and internationally and to attract major events and conferences, and we are well on track to achieve our goal of an $8 billion visitor economy by 2020.”

Last week, South Australia earned the title of the ‘Best Event State’ for the second year running, at the Australian Event Awards.

For more information about the 2017 Clipsal 500 Adelaide visit www.clipsal500.com.au.