What Is 2024 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour
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Last updated: April 15, 2026
Key Facts
- Race took place on April 6–7, 2024, at Mount Panorama Circuit, Australia
- Event format: 6-hour endurance race for production-based vehicles
- Organized by the Australian Racing Group (ARG) under CAMS regulations
- Over 50 cars participated across 10 different performance classes
- Winner: Nathan Morcom and Nathan Bargwanna in a BMW M4 GT4 (Class A1)
- Supported by Hi-Tec Oils as the title sponsor
- First held in 2016, making the 2024 event the 8th running
- Features driver lineups with both professionals and amateurs
- 2024 marked the return of international entries post-pandemic
- Race streamed live on Shannons Motorsport TV
- Average race speed for the winning car: ~148 km/h
- Total race distance covered by winners: ~1,020 km
Overview
The 2024 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour is an annual endurance race held at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. This event, now in its eighth year, features production-based cars modified to varying degrees, competing across multiple classes based on performance and engine specifications.
Staged from April 6 to 7, 2024, the race attracted over 50 entries from Australia and abroad, showcasing a blend of professional drivers and skilled amateurs. The 6-hour format tests vehicle reliability, driver stamina, and team strategy under extreme conditions on one of the world’s most challenging circuits.
- Event Date: The race officially commenced on April 6, 2024, with qualifying sessions, and the main 6-hour race began at 10:00 AM local time on April 7.
- Location: Held at the 6.213-kilometer Mount Panorama Circuit, known for its steep elevation changes and high-speed straights.
- Organizer: The Australian Racing Group (ARG) managed the event under Motorsport Australia (formerly CAMS) regulations.
- Vehicle Eligibility: Only production-based vehicles modified to Group 3E Series Production regulations were allowed to compete.
- Classes: Cars were divided into 10 classes (A1 to X), based on engine size, drivetrain, and performance modifications.
How It Works
The Bathurst 6 Hour operates under strict technical and sporting regulations to ensure competitive balance across diverse vehicle types. Each team consists of at least two drivers who share driving duties during the 6-hour window, with mandatory pit stops for fuel, tires, and driver changes.
- Endurance Format: The race lasts exactly six hours, with teams aiming to complete the most laps within the time limit, regardless of starting position.
- Driver Requirements: Each driver must complete a minimum of one-third of the total race time if two are entered, or half if only one is listed.
- Refueling Rules: Teams must refuel under green-flag conditions; no refueling is allowed during safety car or red-flag periods.
- Class Structure: Class A1 includes high-performance GT4-spec cars like the BMW M4 GT4, while Class X features smaller, naturally aspirated production models.
- Balance of Performance (BoP): CAMS applies BoP adjustments to equalize performance across different makes and models within the same class.
- Safety Protocols: The race uses FIA-compliant safety standards, including HANS devices, roll cages, and mandatory pit stop safety briefings.
Comparison at a Glance
The following table compares key metrics from the 2024 race across top-performing classes:
| Class | Vehicle Example | Laps Completed | Top Speed (km/h) | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | BMW M4 GT4 | 164 | 278 | CMC Motorsport |
| B | Mercedes-AMG GT4 | 161 | 272 | Triple Eight |
| C | Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 | 159 | 268 | Earl Bamber Motorsport |
| F | Subaru WRX STI | 155 | 245 | Stellar Motorsport |
| X | Honda Civic Si | 152 | 220 | Britek Motorsport |
This data highlights how higher-powered, aerodynamically advanced vehicles in Class A1 maintain lap consistency over six hours, while smaller-engine classes face greater mechanical stress relative to output. The BMW M4 GT4’s victory underscored the importance of balanced setup and efficient pit coordination.
Why It Matters
The 2024 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour is more than a race—it’s a proving ground for production car performance and a showcase of Australian motorsport culture. With growing international attention and manufacturer involvement, the event influences aftermarket tuning trends and motorsport participation nationwide.
- Manufacturer Exposure: Automakers like BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche use the race to demonstrate real-world durability and performance of their road-legal models.
- Grassroots Development: The event provides a competitive platform for amateur drivers to gain experience on a world-famous circuit.
- Technological Testing: Teams refine cooling systems, tire strategies, and fuel efficiency under extreme loads, contributing to automotive R&D.
- Economic Impact: The race draws over 30,000 spectators, boosting local tourism and hospitality revenue in Bathurst.
- Media Reach: Live coverage on Shannons Motorsport TV and YouTube reached over 500,000 viewers globally.
- Sustainability Focus: 2024 introduced hybrid class entries, signaling a shift toward greener motorsport technologies.
As one of Australia’s premier endurance events, the Bathurst 6 Hour continues to evolve, blending tradition with innovation while maintaining accessibility for privateer teams and manufacturers alike.
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Sources
- WikipediaCC-BY-SA-4.0
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