You’re in for a super weekend at the 2022 OTR SuperSprint
It doesn’t get much tougher, louder, and faster than this. The Supercars are back at The Bend Motorsport Park for its fifth year, and it will make anything else you’ve planned for the winter seem faint-hearted.
People come from all over to watch the annual OTR SuperSprint event, held at the World’s Best Motorsport Facility.
Car fanatics will know The Bend Motorsport Park well – located on the fringe of Tailem Bend, a mere hour up the South Eastern Freeway from Adelaide.
Image: Morgan Sette
Not only will you be able to enjoy hours of up-close, high octane action, but you will also have access to several kinds of on-site accommodation, entertainment for the kids (big and small) and dining at the APEX Bar, which will keep even the most casual motorsport fan occupied.
Here’s why you should mark 29-31 July in your diary now – in pen!
OTR SuperSprint The Bend. Event 4 of the Repco Supercars Championship, Tailem Bend, Australia. 9 May 2021
Feel the heat – the V8s
This is what it’s all about, loud, powerful, V8 engines moving around the track, time and time again.
Fresh off the tour from Darwin and Townsville, we expect to see last year’s winner Cam Waters, along with Shane Van Gisbergen, Andre Heimbartner and David Reynolds around the action, after featuring high on the podiums of late.
From the grandstands to the exclusive SuperDeck, or the comfort of your own car in the Park ’n’ View section, you’ve got a few ticket options to suit your budget. Either way, you’ll get to experience the heat of the fire-spitting machines as they tear up the track.
Support events mix things up
To give the supercars – and their drivers – a rest, there is plenty of races to fill the gaps.
The Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup remains the premier one-make championships in Australia. With 30 brand new 992 Porsche cup cars taking part, expect some chaotic scenes.
If history is your thing, be sure to take in the Historic Touring Cars – Group N – especially made for touring cars built before December 1972. Spot some of the most iconic touring cars from all around the world, being pushed to their limits and adding a nostalgic touch to the program.
And after the successful debut of the SuperUtes at last year’s event, expect more of the good old good country ute – in V8 form! Based on the popular Aussie ute; did you know that utes make up 18 percent of all new cars sold in Australia?
Let’s not forget the Battery World Aussie Racing Cars Super Series, and the Precision National Sports Sedans Series. You’ll have plenty to watch.
Entertainment and activities
The HotWheels team is back, pulling stunt after stunt, defying logic, skill, and gravity. Watch Matt Mingay’s demonstrations, always a favourite among the kids, so make sure you take the whole family.
This weekend will have so many extra things to see and do, including hot-rod exhibitions, autograph signings, and the Tailem Bend truck parade along the town’s main street. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a walk along Pit Lane – you don’t get much more up close and personal than this.
Gen3 supercars will also be on display, and don’t forget to keep your eyes up for an impressive airshow treating the crowd from above.
Eat, drink, sleep, repeat…
Not only do the cars need refuelling … but so do we!
Catering for all dining experiences, the 4-four star Rydges Pit Lane Hotel is a great place to start. The Apex Bar x Dining offers tasty meal options, as well as an impressive selection of local wines, spirits, and beers, while taking in the view of the action on pit straight. Plus with a kids’ menu, everyone is catered for. Just make sure to book ahead, as access will be limited!
If it’s something quick you’re after, grab a coffee or bite from the Apex Lounge, while checking out the unique cars on display. As you wander around the paddock, you’ll come across food stalls from Moe’s Hot Dogs, Krispy Kreme, Hungry Jacks and C-Coffee.
When it’s time to unwind, the track view balcony rooms at Rydges Pit Lane Hotel will allow you to keep on top of the racing with comfort.
Image: Morgan Sette
For something more family-friendly, the BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park has cabins, camping and caravan sites, complete with a pool, jumping pillow, adventure playground, commercial camp kitchen and newly installed mini golf course.
But if you really want to get the most out of the event’s sights, smells and sounds, trackside camping will be for you.
Check out more of the region while you’re here
The beauty of Tailem Bend is that it’s central to some of the best stops to eat, play and explore across the Murray River, Lower Lakes and Coorong National Park.
Strap on the kayak, stand up paddleboard or bike and test out some of the trails and launch spots in this region (the sensation Coorong backdrop makes it all worth it!).
Extend your weekend by a few relaxing days by booking a local campsite, holiday home, or even a houseboat and really take in the views from a different perspective. Look up the Houseboat Hirers Association to find the best set up for you, whether it be a small agile overnighter, or a big fit-the-whole-family type of boat.
Check out the attractions at Tailem Bend – step back in time at the Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village, get out and explore at Dickson Reserve and Cosi’s big Rhino. See Regional Profile Cutter’s workshop of unique metal art and signage – you might find a unique souvenir to bring home.
If you’ve got some extra time up your sleeve, venture off to the Lake Albert town of Meningie. Here you can grab a famous Coorong Mullet burger and enjoy the views of the lake, head out on the water with Coorong Wildside Tours, or have a quick bite at Freshies Café & Bar.
Grab your tickets, starting at $29 for Friday General Admission (children 14 and under are free), to the OTR SuperSprint at The Bend Motorsport Park (July 29-31), and start planning your trip today. We’ll see you out on the track!