Three-year deal for Bend SuperSprint

OTR will continue as the naming-rights sponsor of The Bend SuperSprint for the next three years, event organisers have confirmed.

The convenience retailer and The Bend Motorsport Park are both owned by the Adelaide-based Shahin family.

Opened in 2018, The Bend marked Australia’s first new permanent motorsport facility since Queensland Raceway was completed almost 20 years earlier.

The Bend’s five-year deal to host Supercars commenced last season, attracting 41,250 spectators to the facility, located 100km south-east of Adelaide.

Dr Sam Shahin says return visitors for this year’s August 23-25 event will notice improved facilities, including the addition of a holiday park.

“The event was incredibly supported last year, and we look forward to showing returning visitors the developments across the park since the last event,” he said.

“The addition of our BIG4 Holiday Park provides another opportunity for fans to stay at the park, with only a short walk to the main pit building and circuit.

“For newcomers, the atmosphere around the park during a Supercars event is very special and a perfect time to visit.

“Regardless of your ticket type, fans can watch the race from different viewpoints around the whole track, which is one of the great advantages of a permanent circuit.

“Fans loved the accessibility we offer at The Bend together with the opportunity to roam the paddock and get up close to the support category garages and pitlane garages.

“Every spectator can access this area for free, which is rare across the Supercars calendar.”

Shane van Gisbergen won the first-ever Bend Supercars race

Supercars CEO Sean Seamer congratulated The Bend and OTR on the renewed agreement following the success of last year’s inaugural event.

“It is fantastic to have another long-term naming rights partner for Australia’s premium motorsports facility and the OTR SuperSprint,” Seamer said.

Last year’s inaugural OTR SuperSprint was dominated by the Red Bull Holden Racing Team.

Jamie Whincup scored two ARMOR ALL Poles and the Sunday race win, while Saturday’s victory went to team-mate Shane van Gisbergen.