AirTouch 500 opens the Enduro Cup on 13th September
Supercars will open its endurance season with the AirTouch 500 at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park from 11th-13th September 2026. The 500km race starts at 1:45pm on Sunday 13th September and runs for 147 laps on The Bend’s 3.41km West Circuit.
Only two rounds make up the Ryco Enduro Cup: The Bend and Bathurst. Those races carry important championship points before the finals and can quickly reshape the standings.
On 4th August 2026, Shell V-Power Motorsport Park confirmed the full programme for the opening Enduro Cup round. Richard Craill, a broadcaster from the Barossa, warned that the South Australian weekend has more weight than many fans may expect.
He said: “The road to Bathurst starts at The Bend and it’s a hugely important weekend in both the context of the championship, as a key lead-in event to the finals, and as the opening round of the Ryco Enduro Cup.”
Friday to Sunday racing lineup
Across Friday to Sunday, Supercars headline a full support bill. Porsche Carrera Cup, Touring Car Masters, Trans Am, Aussie Racing Cars and the Australian Prototype Series all feature, while Micro Speedway closes the entertainment lineup.
Track action starts on Friday 11th September with Practice 1 at 11:25am, co-driver Practice 2 at 1:45pm and Practice 3 at 3:40pm. Saturday 12th September then brings co-driver Practice 4 at 9:50am, Practice 5 at 12:00pm, qualifying at 2:45pm and the Top Ten Shootout at 5:00pm.
Meanwhile, Sunday forces every team through compulsory pit stops and a driver change. Each co-driver therefore gets a race-defining stint during the 500km enduro.
Bathurst winner and former Supercars champion Garth Tander believes co-drivers face the biggest test because these combinations will race together under enduro pressure for the first time this season. He argued that a quick co-driver can swing a title fight.
According to Tander, the shorter West Circuit creates more traffic, tighter strategy windows and a higher chance of a safety car. Pit stops, driver changes, fuel use and tyre calls can decide the result.
He said: “One slow stop, or a safety car at the wrong moment, flips the whole race. The West Circuit compresses all of it, and track position becomes everything.”
Camping demand builds
Fans are already moving early on accommodation for the September event. Almost 75% of the camping precinct is booked, and the new infield campground on pit straight is filling fast.
Just three of the nine premium glamping tents remain available. Park ‘n’ View sites also let spectators stay close to the action in their own car.
In addition, the meeting forms part of Supercars Unlocked at The Bend, which offers broad fan access across the weekend. Craill and Tander both highlighted the round as a key step on the road to Bathurst.
