Last week, it was revealed that the Bathurst International would include a showcase event known as the open-wheel cavalcade.
The event is expected to feature up to 10 high-performance single-seaters participating in six 20-minute demonstrations throughout the weekend.
Participation is by invitation only, with organizers reaching out to owners of appropriate open-wheel vehicles, such as Formula 1, IndyCars, and S5000s, to participate.
The news has sparked interest as far afield as the United States, with Australian IndyCar driver Will Power expressing enthusiasm when asked about the event at the Iowa IndyCar race.
The question seems to be predicated on the misconception that the Bathurst International organizers are actively seeking to attract contemporary Indy equipment and drivers to Australia. Regardless, Power was enthusiastic and made his interest apparent.
Power was emphatic in his belief that if any current IndyCar driver is to participate in the cavalcade, it should be him rather than Scott McLaughlin or Scott Dixon.
“I wasn’t aware of that. I would definitely love to be the one,” he said. “They should get in touch with me. I’d love to bring my car down there. Being the only Australian in the series, I would be quite disappointed if they choose a Kiwi instead.”
However, it seems unlikely that Power and Team Penske will be invited, as the target for the cavalcade are contemporary, but not necessarily current, open-wheel vehicles.
The event is expected to focus on cars already based in Australia, with several Formula 1 cars from various periods currently located in the country.
A potential participant could be the Australia-based 2011 Dallara IR-07 IndyCar, which Matthew Radisich has previously demonstrated.
Additionally, Yasser Shahin has a Formula Renault 3.5 car based in South Australia that would make an obvious candidate. It’s also confirmed that S5000 cars will participate.
Power, a known enthusiast of the Mount Panorama circuit, partnered with Mark Larkham for the 2002 Bathurst 1000. He has frequently expressed interest in another shot at the prestigious race, even hinting at a wildcard entry with McLaughlin in 2020.
This proposition was made just prior to McLaughlin’s full-time transition to IndyCar and Team Penske’s discontinuation of its partnership with Dick Johnson Racing in Supercars.
“I’ve been asking for a wildcard entry; it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while,” he shared with Wide World of Sports. “It’s challenging to compete with the drivers who participate in the series full-time, but I still want to do it because I’m Australian, and it’s the Australian equivalent of the Indy 500.”
The Bathurst International is set to take place from November 10 to 12.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bathurst International Open-Wheel Cavalcade
What is the open-wheel cavalcade at the Bathurst International?
The open-wheel cavalcade is a demonstration class at the Bathurst International where up to 10 high-performance single-seaters participate in six 20-minute demonstrations throughout the weekend.
Who can participate in the open-wheel cavalcade?
Participation in the open-wheel cavalcade is by invitation only. The organizers are seeking owners of suitable open-wheel vehicles, such as Formula 1, IndyCars, and S5000s, to express interest in participating.
Has there been international interest in the open-wheel cavalcade?
Yes, Australian IndyCar driver Will Power, based in the United States, has expressed interest in the event.
Will current IndyCar drivers be participating?
It’s uncertain if current IndyCar drivers will participate, but Will Power has made it clear that if any current IndyCar driver participates, he wants it to be him.
When will the Bathurst International take place?
The Bathurst International is set to take place from November 10 to 12.
More about Bathurst International Open-Wheel Cavalcade
- Bathurst International Official Website
- Will Power’s Official Profile
- About IndyCars
- About Formula 1
- About S5000
- Mount Panorama Circuit
5 comments
Always love Bathurst. This year’s gonna be even more epic with the cavalcade! So excited!
will power in bathurst? amazin! hope he gets the chance.
This is sick!! Finally some open wheel action at Bathurst. Cant wait.
Ha! Power doesn’t want a kiwi there. guess we’ll see who gets the call up..
Interesting to see some F1 cars joining in… Would be a real treat!