Key Bathurst 12 Hour appointment made

Supercars Strategic Partnerships Manager Shane Rudzis will take the helm of the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour, having been promoted to the position of the Event Director for Australia’s International Endurance race.

Rudzis, who headed the event’s commercial operations between 2016-2019, has commenced his new role this month as he leads the race into the post-COVID-19 era.

His first 12-Hour at the helm will be the 2023 event, which is locked in for the 3-5 February weekend next year. The event will again double as the opening round of the 2023 Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli.

Rudzis has been a key component of Supercars’ commercial team since 2014, when he joined the business as Sponsorship and Sales Manager.

He was promoted to National Partnerships Manager in 2017 before becoming Manager of Strategic Partnerships in early 2021.

In that time, he has helped the Supercars Championship develop significant and long-term relationships with major sponsors, manufacturers and broadcasters alike.

Rudzis’ 12-Hour role will see him continue to develop the race as one of the world’s leading GT3 endurance classics, while furthering ongoing relationships with key event partners including the Bathurst Regional Council, New South Wales Government / Destination NSW, SRO and key commercial partners, including title sponsor LIQUI MOLY.

Key targets for the new event director will be building on existing manufacturer engagement both on and off track, while also improving the fan experience for the more than 40,000 people who attend each year.

Continued evolution and development of the on-track product, rules and regulations will also be a focus.

Rudzis officially commenced his new role on 1 July, 2022.

The 2023 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour will be held between 3-5 February 2023. Head to www.bathurst12hour.com.au for more information.

Rudzis said: "I have been a passionate advocate of the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour both professionally and personally for many years. The unique combination of this iconic track with the sound of GT3 engines racing as the sun rises is magical. To have the opportunity to lead the event moving forward is very special.

"I have been fortunate through my previous role as Head of Commercial, to develop fantastic relationships with our major partners, manufacturers, teams, drivers and the key stakeholders that allow the event to happen each year. I’m looking forward to working with everyone moving forward to continue to grow the event in new and exciting ways whilst still respecting the legacy of this international GT3 event.

"My ambition is nothing short of making sure the 12 Hour is on the bucket list of every motorsport fan, team, brand and driver around the world. I want international drivers saying ‘I can not miss that race’ and I want brands and teams to recognise the value of the race so that they simply must be there each year.

Shane Rudzis (L)

"In just 11 years as a GT3 race, the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour has already developed a fantastic following with many fans permanently marking this event in their calendars. I'm confident we can deliver even more to these committed motorsport fans as we grow it even further both in Australia and around the world.

"We have a talented team within the wider Supercars business focussed on growing the Bathurst 12 Hour and making sure the 2023 race, which will return to the traditional early-February date, will be the best yet."

Supercars CEO Shane Howard added: "Shane has been a core part of Supercars for eight years and his experience, existing relationships and his passion for the event itself make him the perfect person to lead the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour moving forward.

"Shane has already developed plans that will see the event grow further as it emerges from a challenging few years and into a new era where its status as one of the world’s great endurance races can continue to grow."

SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO Stephane Ratel said: "Shane has been a key component of the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour's growth over the past decade. Now, and following our collective re-set earlier this year, SRO's Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli management team is eager to help him further cement the event's status as a true highlight of the international motor sport calendar."

Mayor, Bathurst Regional Council Mayor Cr Robert Taylor added: "Bathurst Regional Council and Supercars have a long association and we look forward to many more years of working together.

"The LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour has become renowned as one of the premier international endurance challenges attracting a large contingent of international teams to Bathurst."