Get ready for a thrilling weekend of racing as the Bathurst 12 Hour takes center stage, but here’s the twist: not everyone will have access to the live action unless they’re tuned into the right channels. The highly anticipated event has just unveiled its TV details, and it’s packed with surprises for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. But here's where it gets controversial: with no free-to-air coverage mentioned, viewers will need to rely on subscription services like Kayo Sports and Fox Sports 506 to catch every heart-pounding moment. Is this a fair move, or does it exclude casual viewers? Let’s dive in.
Incoming Supercars commentator Garth Tander, a key figure in the revamped Supercars broadcast, will take his place in the commentary box this weekend alongside seasoned voices John Hindhaugh and Richard Craill. Together, they’ll bring the GT3 enduro to life, while Chad Neylon and Shea Adam deliver real-time updates from the pitlane. This dynamic lineup promises to offer a fresh and engaging perspective on one of the most grueling races in motorsport.
Kayo Sports and Fox Sports 506 are pulling out all the stops with 16 hours of coverage across the weekend, kicking off at 1pm AEDT on Saturday. This includes the nail-biting grid-setting sessions and support category races, setting the stage for Sunday’s main event. Speaking of Sunday, race day will feature uninterrupted coverage from 5:30am to 6pm, ensuring fans don’t miss a single overtake or pit strategy.
For those who can’t wait for the Kayo/Fox coverage to begin, all earlier sessions will be streamed live on the Bathurst 12 Hour YouTube channel—a small win for fans on a budget. And this is the part most people miss: Kayo is offering a special deal for new subscribers, with the discount code KAYOSC26 unlocking a $5 per month subscription for the first two months. It’s a smart move to attract new viewers, but will it be enough to offset the lack of free-to-air access?
New Zealand fans aren’t left out either, with Sky Sport NZ broadcasting the action across the Tasman. Meanwhile, the on-track excitement at Mount Panorama begins on Friday, February 13, giving teams and drivers a full day to fine-tune their strategies before the weekend’s high-stakes battles.
As the countdown to the Bathurst 12 Hour begins, one question lingers: Is paywalled coverage the future of motorsport broadcasting, or does it risk alienating a portion of the fanbase? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this hotly debated topic!
