The smell of burning rubber hangs in the air as Supercars thunder down the pit straight below, flashing past your private balcony in a blur. Between races, you could meet the stars of the sport, step closer to the action and settle in for premium dining overlooking the track.
And for the first time, you could do it all having woken up trackside, inside the circuit itself.
This is how guests can experience the AirTouch 500 when it returns to Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend from September 11 to 13.
The road to Bathurst starts at The Bend. As the opening round of the 2026 Enduro Cup, the AirTouch 500 sets the scene for the finals, big championship points on offer, upsets on the cards, and the return of co-driver pairings that can make or break a driver’s title run.
But the three-day event is about far more than watching from behind the fence. And it starts with where you stay.
Those making a weekend of it can stay onsite at Rydges Pit Lane Hotel or camp across various camp sites across the precinct. This includes a new infield campground along the pit straight, featuring reserved caravan and motorhome sites, social areas, food trucks and a dedicated Superscreen and grandstand.
Fans can also stay inside the circuit in one of just a handful of pre-set glamping tents – no gear, no set-up, and a rare chance to wake up trackside in the middle of the enduro. With only three tents left, it’s the kind of first-time experience that won’t last long.
Beyond where you sleep, The Bend has unveiled a collection of premium hospitality packages that bring guests closer to the cars, drivers and race-day atmosphere, while combining private entertaining spaces, elevated dining and some of the best views across the circuit.
The 500 Club Lounge is ideal for guests who want to add premium comfort to their race day without booking an entire private suite.
Packages start from $169 per person on Friday and include a seated à la carte lunch with refreshments, with guests able to choose between a midday or 1.30pm dining session.
Before and after lunch, guests can relax inside the climate-controlled APEX Bar or step onto the shared balcony overlooking the pit straight whenever the cars return to the circuit.
Popular for its value and prime pit-straight position, the 500 Club Lounge is already selling fast.
Available across Saturday and Sunday, the International Club steps things up with a premium buffet lunch, afternoon canapes and a five-hour inclusive beverage package.
Guests can watch the action from a private balcony with elevated views across the circuit or visit the shared Level 4 SkyDeck for another impressive vantage point over the motorsport park.
The package also includes priority parking, VIP site entry and access to the Welcome Centre, while Sunday guests are invited to join the Winners Podium Walk after the race.
Larger groups can book a Premium Villa or Private Suite, offering a dedicated climate-controlled space and private balcony overlooking the pit straight and finish line.
Packages start from $660 per person, per day and include premium catering, an inclusive beverage package, a corporate host, priority parking and VIP entry.
Another experience, the Private Dining Suite, pairs panoramic circuit views with a two-course plated lunch, premium canapes and a private host, with packages starting from $990 per person, per day.
With demand high, the International Club is now nearly sold out and only a handful of packages remain.
The race itself will also look different in 2026.
The AirTouch 500 will make its debut on The Bend’s shorter West Circuit, increasing the enduro from 101 to 147 laps. The compressed layout will bring the cars past spectators more frequently, creating more wheel-to-wheel racing and making every balcony, grandstand and trackside viewing area feel closer to the action.
The whole weekend has been designed to give fans freedom to experience more than ever before.
Visitors can walk through the open paddock, move between viewing areas, pull up beside the track with Park’n’View and watch the racing from the comfort of the car which is perfect for families making a day of it, or stay beside the circuit or visit the dedicated Fan Zone, where younger racegoers will find plenty to keep them entertained.
Free parking near key viewing areas and shuttle services across the venue also make it easy to experience different parts of the motorsport park throughout the day.
This is what sets The Bend apart.
Guests can dine above pit lane, explore the paddock, meet the drivers and watch the race from different parts of the circuit. It is not simply a day spent spectating, but a chance to become part of the entire race weekend. This is Supercars, unlocked.
Corporate hospitality and trackside stays are filling fast, and early bookings are recommended for the AirTouch 500 at The Bend from September 11 to 13.
AirTouch 500 at The Bend
When: September 11 to 13.
Where: 543 Dukes Highway, Tailem Bend
For more info, click here.
To book a premium hospitality package, click here.
