It’s the second time The Bend will host the traditional pre-Bathurst endurance race and opening round of the Ryco Enduro Cup.
A change of layout at the expansive facility will have the Repco Supercars Championship use the shorter West Circuit to maximise close racing.
The start of the Ryco Enduro Cup provides a fresh start to those not in Finals contention due to the winner gaining automatic qualification, which is a feat almost achieved by Erebus Motorsport’s Cooper Murray last year.
Live coverage of The Bend 500 will be broadcast by Foxtel via Fox Sports and Kayo during the three day event, while Sky Sports will do likewise in New Zealand.
Foxtel and Kayo’s broadcast times start at 11:15am Friday, 9:00am Saturday, with Sunday’s coverage beginning at 8:00am.
The race is due to begin at 2:15pm AEST and will last 147 laps.
Support categories for The Bend 500 are Porsche Carrera Cup Australia, Trans Am, Aussie Racing Cars, Touring Car Masters and the Australian Prototype Series.
| Friday, September 11 | Duration | AEST | ACST (local) | AWST | NZST |
| Brake Session
(Timing not in use) |
0:20 | 8:45 | 8:15 | 6:45 | 10:45 |
| Practice 1 (all Drivers) | 0:30 | 11:55 | 11:25 | 9:55 | 13:55 |
| Practice 2 (Additional Drivers) | 0:30 | 14:15 | 13:45 | 12:15 | 16:15 |
| Practice 3 (all Drivers) | 0:30 | 16:10 | 15:40 | 14:10 | 18:10 |
| Saturday, September 12 | Duration | AEST | ACST (local) | AWST | NZST |
| Practice 4 (additional Drivers) | 0:40 | 10:20 | 9:50 | 8:20 | 12:20 |
| Practice 5 (All Drivers) | 0:40 | 12:30 | 12:00 | 10:30 | 14:30 |
| Qualifying | 0:30 | 15:15 | 14:45 | 13:15 | 17:15 |
| Top Ten Shootout | 0:30 | 17:30 | 17:00 | 15:30 | 19:30 |
| Sunday, September 13 | Duration | AEST | ACST (local) | AWST | NZST |
| Warm-up | 0:20 | 10:45 | 10:15 | 8:45 | 12:45 |
| Race 29 – 500km | 147 laps or 1 lap after 17:23 | 14:15 | 13:45 | 12:15 | 16:15 |