Date confirmed for 2017 LIQUI-MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour

THE Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour will retain its position as the launching point for the Australian motorsport season in 2017.

Australia’s International endurance race will be held across the February 3 - 5 weekend next year, kicking off the 2017 season in style.

A successful 2016 event culminated in New Zealand superstar Shane van Gisbergen holding off Nissan driver Katsumasa Chiyo in a thrilling finish between factory-supported McLaren and Nissan teams.

A record three-day attendance of 37,079 was a 14 per cent increase on the previous record figure.

Event Director John Casey said Supercars Events, which manages the race, was keen to maintain the well-established date continuity.

“The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour is not only accepted as the traditional first major event on the Australian motorsport calendar, but is also now highly regarded as one of the top GT races in the world,” he said.

“The way it has been embraced by manufacturers and drivers from across the globe is proof of that.

“There is no better way to kick off the new season with the best international and local teams and drivers going head to head at one of the most iconic circuits, Mount Panorama.

“We are very pleased to be able to lock in the date early and we are already working on ways to grow the event. 2017 should be a very exciting year.”