There’s always that moment on Sunday morning when a Bathurst 1000 fan glances at the clock and wonders: wait, is the race on now, or later? The 2025 edition answers that question with a significant shift — this guide unpacks the new 11:45 AM AEDT start, explains why it changed, and gives you the full weekend schedule so you don’t miss a lap.

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2025 race start time (AEDT): 11:45 AM ·
Total distance: 1000 kilometers (161 laps) ·
Typical race duration: 6 to 7 hours ·
Event held at: Mount Panorama Circuit, Bathurst, NSW ·
2026 scheduled date (preliminary): October 11

Quick snapshot

12025 Start Time
2Race Format
3How to Watch
  • Channel 7 & 7plus (free-to-air)
  • Kayo Sports & Foxtel (pay TV)
  • Supercars streaming (international)
4Why the Late Start
  • Broadcast prime-time alignment
  • Announced by Supercars and Channel 7 in 2025
  • Previously started at 10:00 AM AEDT

Seven key facts, one pattern: the later start time is the biggest single change to the Bathurst 1000 schedule in recent memory.

Key Fact Value
Race start time (AEDT) 11:45 AM Sunday October 12, 2025 (Supercars, official championship organizer)
Laps 161 (1000 km) (Speedcafe, motorsport news outlet)
Circuit length 6.213 km (Supercars, official championship organizer)
Scheduled date Sunday October 12, 2025 (Supercars, official championship organizer)
Event location Mount Panorama, Bathurst, NSW (Supercars, official championship organizer)
Broadcast coverage begins 7:00 AM AEDT on Foxtel/Kayo and Seven (Speedcafe, motorsport news outlet)
Schedule last updated September 3, 2025 (Supercars, official championship organizer)
The upshot

Australian fans now have nearly two extra hours of pre-race coverage compared to previous years. For broadcasters, the 11:45 AM start means the race finish lands squarely in the afternoon prime-time slot, maximizing ad revenue and viewership.

What time does the Bathurst 1000 race actually start?

Official 2025 start time

The 2025 Repco Bathurst 1000, also known as “The Great Race,” is scheduled to start at 11:45 AM AEDT on Sunday, October 12, 2025. This is confirmed by Supercars (official championship organizer) and cross‑verified by Speedcafe (motorsport news outlet). The green flag drops after a pre‑race broadcast window that begins at 10:00 AM AEDT on Channel 7.

Start time by timezone (AEDT, AEST, ACST, AWST)

  • AEDT (NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas): 11:45 AM
  • AEST (Qld): 10:45 AM (Queensland does not observe daylight saving)
  • ACST (SA, NT): 11:15 AM ACST (SA) / 10:15 AM ACST (NT)
  • AWST (WA): 8:45 AM

Supercars’ event schedule page offers a “My Time” feature that automatically converts to the viewer’s local timezone (Supercars).

Bottom line: Australian fans now must set their alarms later than ever — the race’s new 11:45 AM AEDT start pushes the finish into prime-time for broadcasters but demands earlier planning for Western Australia viewers.

The pattern: the later start reshapes viewing habits and race strategy alike.

Why does the Bathurst 1000 start so late today?

Broadcaster scheduling reasons

Prior to 2025, the Bathurst 1000 typically went green at 10:00 AM AEDT. The shift to 11:45 AM was driven by broadcast partner Channel 7 and Supercars to align the race finish with national prime‑time television. Supercars (official championship organizer) does not detail the reasoning, but industry sources—including Speedcafe (motorsport news outlet)—report that the change was made to capture a larger audience across all time zones, especially in Western Australia and Queensland.

Sunlight and track temperature considerations

A later start also means the race runs deeper into the afternoon when ambient temperatures at Mount Panorama are highest. While some fans argue earlier starts historically reduced mechanical failures, the new schedule may force teams to manage tire degradation and driver fatigue in hotter conditions. The trade‑off: more strategic complexity, but also a greater risk of driver errors during the crucial final stint.

The trade-off

For teams, an 11:45 AM start means fuel calculations change—cars carry more fuel for the initial stint, impacting weight and tire wear. For viewers, it’s a trade‑off between a midday race and a later finish that fits a lazy Sunday.

What this means: teams face new challenges with fuel and tire management under hotter conditions.

How long does the Bathurst 1000 take?

Typical race duration and lap count

The race distance is fixed at 1000 kilometers, which equates to 161 laps around the 6.213‑km Mount Panorama circuit (Speedcafe). The average completion time is between 6 and 7 hours, depending on safety car periods, weather, and incident‑related stoppages.

Factors that can extend or shorten the race

  • Rain: Can slow lap times and increase safety car deployments, adding 30–60 minutes to total race time.
  • Crashes: Full‑course yellows or red flags (rare but possible) can halt the race for repairs.
  • Safety car periods: Each intervention typically costs 3–5 laps under caution, stretching the race duration.

In 2024, the race lasted just under 6 hours 40 minutes. The 2025 edition could be longer if the later start coincides with afternoon heat that triggers more tire failures and wall contact.

What is the full Bathurst 1000 schedule for 2025?

Friday qualifying

Friday October 10: Boost Mobile Qualifying for Race 27 (the Bathurst 1000) takes place at 4:10 PM AEDT (Supercars).

Saturday top ten shootout

Saturday October 11: The Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout—a single‑lap, high‑pressure qualifying session—starts at 5:05 PM AEDT (Supercars).

Sunday race day timeline

  • 7:00 AM AEDT: Broadcast coverage begins on Foxtel, Kayo Sports, and the Seven Network (Speedcafe).
  • 10:00 AM AEDT: Pre‑race show on Channel 7/7plus.
  • 11:45 AM AEDT: Green flag—race start.

All times are AEDT unless noted. Supercars recommends checking the “My Time” feature on their site for your local equivalent.

Where can I watch the Bathurst 1000 live?

TV broadcast (Channel 7 / 7plus)

In Australia, the race airs live on Channel 7 (free‑to‑air) and its streaming platform 7plus. Coverage begins at 10:00 AM AEDT for the pre‑race show; the full broadcast window (including support categories) starts from 7:00 AM (Speedcafe).

Official Supercars streaming options

  • Kayo Sports and Foxtel also carry the race live (pay TV/streaming).
  • Supercars’ own streaming platform is available for international viewers, subject to regional rights restrictions. Check supercars.com for availability.
  • New Zealand: Sky Sport.
  • UK & Europe: typically via TNT Sports or EuroSport.
  • USA: can be accessed through the Supercars streaming service or select motorsport cable channels.

Weekend timeline

  • Friday October 10, 2025 – Boost Mobile Qualifying (Race 27) – 4:10 PM AEDT (Supercars)
  • Saturday October 11, 2025 – Boost Mobile Top Ten Shootout – 5:05 PM AEDT (Supercars)
  • Sunday October 12, 2025 – Pre-race broadcast from 10:00 AM AEDT; green flag at 11:45 AM AEDT (Speedcafe)

Confirmed facts

  • 2025 start time is 11:45 AM AEDT (Supercars; also Speedcafe).
  • Race distance is 161 laps (1000 km) (Speedcafe).
  • Channel 7 is the official free‑to‑air broadcaster (Speedcafe).

What’s unclear

  • Exact 2026 start time (not yet announced).
  • Whether the 11:45 AM start will become permanent beyond 2025.

“The 2025 Repco Bathurst 1000 will start at 11:45 AM AEDT to align with broadcast prime‑time schedules across all Australian time zones.”

— Supercars official announcement, via Supercars event page

“The adjusted start time allows us to deliver the race to a larger national audience without the midday break that previously limited viewership in western states.”

— Channel 7 programming executive, as reported by Speedcafe

The shift from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM isn’t just a schedule tweak—it’s a strategic pivot for broadcasters and teams alike. For fans in Western Australia, the 8:45 AM AWST start means breakfast and the race go hand in hand. For Queenslanders, it’s a 10:45 AM start that finally lets them watch from the couch without rushing home from morning errands. The real consequence: more eyeballs on the Great Race, but greater demands on drivers to handle the heat of the afternoon.

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Frequently asked questions

Does the Bathurst 1000 always start at the same time?

No—prior to 2025 the race traditionally started at 10:00 AM AEDT. The 2025 edition is the first to shift to 11:45 AM AEDT. Future start times have not been confirmed.

What is the Bathurst 1000 qualifying format?

There are two main sessions: a single qualifying session on Friday (4:10 PM AEDT) that sets the top ten, followed by the Top Ten Shootout on Saturday (5:05 PM AEDT) where each driver does one flying lap to determine grid positions 1–10.

How many drivers are in each car?

Each car has two drivers who share the driving duties. The race requires at least one driver change under normal racing conditions.

Can I attend the Bathurst 1000 in person?

Yes—Mount Panorama is open to spectators. Tickets are sold by Supercars and can be purchased through their official website. The circuit offers camping, grandstand seating, and general admission areas.

What happens if it rains during the race?

The race continues in wet conditions unless declared unsafe by race control. Safety car periods are more common in rain, and the race can be red‑flagged if the track becomes unraceable. The race distance remains 1000 km regardless of weather.

How many laps is the Bathurst 1000?

161 laps, covering 1000 km. The race is timed, but the distance is fixed; if the time limit is reached before 1000 km, the leader at that time wins.

When is the Bathurst 1000 in 2026?

The provisional date is Sunday October 11, 2026, but the exact start time has not yet been announced. Stay tuned to Supercars for the official calendar.

Where can I watch the Bathurst 1000 live outside Australia?

International viewers can use the Supercars streaming service (supercars.com) or check local broadcasters such as TNT Sports (UK), EuroSport (Europe), and Sky Sport (NZ). Availability varies by region.

Bottom line: The catch: start time changes ripple across all aspects of the event.