FAQ

Stay Tuned

Welcome to the AirTouch 500 FAQs. We’ve brought together everything you need to know about race weekend, including tickets, camping, parking, access and venue information. This page will be updated with the latest event details as they become available.

Event Information

What is AirTouch 500 at The Bend?

AirTouch 500 at The Bend is a three-day Supercars event at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, taking place from 11-13 September 2026. It is The Bend’s major endurance-racing weekend and a huge on- and off-track experience for fans.

Where is the event held?

AirTouch 500 at The Bend is held at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park, 543 Dukes Hwy, Tailem Bend, SA 5260.

How far is The Bend from Adelaide and surrounding areas?

The Bend is an easy drive for a race weekend road trip – around an hour from Adelaide, about 45 minutes from Mount Barker and less than 30 minutes from Murray Bridge. It is one of the easiest major motorsport events in the country to drive to and enjoy across a full weekend.

What support categories will be racing?

The 2026 event content plan includes Aussie Racing Cars, Australian Prototype Series, Porsche Carrera Cup, Touring Car Masters and Trans Am. Full category schedules and timings will be released closer to the event.

Will there be off-track entertainment?

Yes. Current 2026 plans include a Sunset Pit Lane Party, Micro Speedway at the Dragway Live Action Arena, a Family Zone, karting activity and V8 hot lap experiences. Some details are still to be confirmed, so stay tuned for updates.

Is the event accessible?

Yes. Accessible parking, accessible grandstand access and designated viewing areas will be available. Final accessibility details, parking and viewing maps will be confirmed closer to the event.

Tickets

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available online through Outix. AirTouch 500 ticketing is designed to be simple and digital-first, with more event-day ticketing details to be confirmed closer to the event.

What ticket types are available?

Current planning and public references include General Admission, Reserved Grandstands, Park ‘n’ View, Trackside Camping and premium/hospitality products. Final 2026 product descriptions and inclusions will be confirmed on the official ticketing page.

What is included with General Admission?

General Admission is designed to deliver strong value, with access to key viewing areas and the broader event atmosphere. AirTouch 500 is built around open-access principles including free movement, fan zones and paddock access as a major point of difference. Please note that General Admission ticket only provides limited access to the Welcome Centre.

Are kids free?

Children 4 and under are FREE to attend with a paying adult. Kids 5-15 are eligible for a kids ticket across General Admission and Grandstand.

Are concession and Companion Card options available?

Yes – we accommodate all concession ticket types and Companion Card holders.

Will tickets be digital?

Yes – digital tickets are issued via Outix, which can be accessed on your phone or printed if needed.

What if I lose my ticket?

If your ticket is digital, you should be able to retrieve it via your Outix account. Just log in into your Outix account and access your tickets there.

Can I resell or on-sell my ticket?

No. Tickets cannot be resold, raffled, auctioned or used for promotional purposes unless expressly authorised.

Getting Here, Parking and Access

How do I get to the event?

Entry to the venue is via Dukes Highway, with event access managed through designated gates and traffic flows. Full 2026 traffic and entry details will be released closer to race weekend.

Is parking free?

Yes – one of the biggest advantages of The Bend is free parking close to the action. Fans can choose the viewing precinct that suits them best and base themselves nearby, rather than parking far away and hiking in. Check the venue map for parking areas.

Will there be shuttle buses?

Yes. Free shuttle buses are part of the event and are designed to connect camping, fan zones, the Dragway, Kartdrome and eastern precincts into one connected event footprint. Final stops and operating times will be shown on the venue map closer to the event.

Can I leave the venue and come back later?

Yes – pass-outs have previously been allowed. If you leave the venue, make sure you scan out and then scan back in when you return.

Venue Information

Is the venue cashless?

Yes. The Bend operates as a cashless venue.

Will bags be searched on entry?

Bags may be subject to random safety and security searches upon entry.

Can I bring alcohol into the venue?

No. The Bend is a licensed venue and BYO alcohol is not permitted. Alcohol purchased inside the venue may be taken back to your campsite where permitted.

Can I bring glass?

No. Glass is not permitted anywhere in the venue or campgrounds.

What items are prohibited?

Prohibited items include things like alcohol, glass, weapons, drones, fireworks, excess fuel, certain electric transport devices and pets other than assistance animals.

Are pets allowed?

No – pets are not allowed. Assistance or service animals only are permitted.

Is smoking or vaping allowed?

The Bend has is a non-smoking and non-vaping venue, with smoking only permitted in designated external areas. Final 2026 smoking-zone details will be confirmed closer to the event.

Where is first aid located?

Final first aid locations will be shown on the venue map and in event information closer to race weekend.

Where are the toilets?

Toilets will be available across the venue, with exact locations shown on the event map. Please note that amenities are only accessible after gates open.

Trackside and infield camping

Information for Northern Apex, Horizon South, Start-Line Infield and Deluxe Tent camping.

What is included with my campsite?

Each standard campsite is approximately 6m x 12m and includes:

  • Two general admission event tickets
  • Space for up to six people total, subject to the correct tickets and passes
  • One vehicle
  • Access to nearby toilets and showers

Deluxe Tent packages are strictly for two people per tent. Deluxe Tent guests may receive up to six guest passes, but no additional campers are permitted.

Please check your booking confirmation for the inclusions specific to your package.

Does everyone need an event ticket?

Yes. Every camper must hold a valid event entry ticket covering the full duration of their stay.

Any additional campers must purchase the appropriate event entry ticket and additional camping pass.

Children aged four and under camp free but must still be included on the booking. Child tickets apply for ages 5 to 15.

What time can I check in?

Check-in times vary depending on your campground.

Northern Apex and Horizon South

  • Thursday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
  • Friday: 9:00am to 12:00pm

Start-Line Infield

  • Thursday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
  • Friday: 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Start-Line Deluxe Tents

  • Thursday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
  • Friday: 9:00am to 12:00pm

Infield Camping is located inside the circuit. Friday access is restricted while there is activity on track, so Start-Line Infield guests must arrive during the designated evening access window.

Please plan your journey carefully. Entry outside the advertised check-in times cannot be guaranteed.

How do I enter the venue for camping?

All camping traffic, except BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park guests, must turn right at the entrance roundabout.

After turning right, traffic will receive further directions at the next checkpoint. From there:

  • Northern Apex and Infield camping traffic will be directed left
  • Southern camping traffic will be directed right

It is important that all guests follow this entry flow. Going the wrong direction at the roundabout may create dangerous traffic situations, particularly due to limited space for vehicles with trailers, caravans and larger camping setups to turn around.

Any vehicle that travels the wrong way will be sent back towards the roundabout to follow the correct route.

BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park guests should follow the specific arrival instructions provided for their booking.

Where do I check in?

Please follow event signage and the directions supplied in your pre-arrival information.

Wristbands and vehicle passes will be issued at check-in. Wristbands must be worn throughout your stay and may be checked when entering the campground or event precinct.

When can I depart?

Departure times vary depending on your campground.

Northern Apex and Horizon South

  • Sunday: 2:00pm to 6:00pm
  • Monday: 9:00am to 4:00pm

Start-Line Infield and Deluxe Tents

  • Sunday: from 6:00pm
  • Monday: 9:00am to 4:00pm

Infield departure is restricted while there is activity on track. Guests must wait until the circuit has reopened for vehicle movement and follow all directions from event staff.

How many people can stay on one campsite?

A maximum of six people may stay on each standard campsite.

All campers must be included on the booking and must hold the appropriate camping and event entry tickets.

Deluxe Tent packages accommodate a maximum of two people.

How large are the campsites?

Standard campsites are approximately 6m x 12m.

Your vehicle, caravan, motorhome, tent, gazebo and all other camping equipment must fit completely within your allocated site boundaries.

How many vehicles can I bring?

One vehicle is permitted per campsite. Motorbikes are considered vehicles and require the appropriate pass.

Your camping vehicle pass must be clearly displayed throughout your stay.

Any additional vehicles must be parked in designated public or overflow parking areas, subject to availability.

Vehicles and camping equipment must not extend beyond your allocated site boundaries. Vehicles parked outside site boundaries may be removed at the owner’s expense.

The maximum vehicle size for Start-Line Infield camping is 3.2m wide by 3.5m high.

Can I leave the campground and return?

Northern Apex and Horizon South

Yes. Guests staying in Northern Apex and Horizon South may leave and re-enter the campground, subject to event access restrictions.

When returning:

  • Your vehicle may be searched by security
  • All passengers must display a valid wristband
  • Your camping vehicle pass must be clearly displayed

Vehicle movement may be temporarily restricted during busy periods.

Start-Line Infield

There is no vehicle entry or exit from the Infield campground while the event is underway.

Once your vehicle has entered the Infield campground, it must remain there until the designated departure window.

If you need to use your vehicle during the event, you must park it in the public parking area outside the campground. Public parking is subject to availability.

Are the campsites powered?

No. Northern Apex, Horizon South and Start-Line Infield campsites are unpowered.

Guests must provide their own off-grid power arrangements where permitted.

Powered camping may be available in the Dragway campground for selected events.

Can I use a generator?

Generators are permitted in Northern Apex and Horizon South camping.

Generators are not permitted in Start-Line Infield or Deluxe Tent camping.

Where permitted, generators must:

  • Be switched off during quiet hours
  • Be positioned away from dry grass and flammable materials
  • Never be operated inside a tent, vehicle or enclosed area
  • Never be left unattended while running
  • Use outdoor-rated electrical leads
  • Not obstruct roads, walkways or neighbouring sites
  • Not be operated when prohibited by fire restrictions or event management

A maximum of 20 litres of fuel may be brought into the venue for personal generator use. Fuel exceeding 20 litres is prohibited.

What are the quiet hours?

Quiet hours apply from 10:00pm until 7:00am.

During quiet hours:

  • Generators must be switched off
  • Music must be turned down
  • Noise must be kept to a minimum
  • Campers must be considerate of neighbouring guests

Security will be present throughout the event. Repeated unreasonable noise or antisocial behaviour may result in removal from the campground.

Can I bring a gazebo?

Gazebos are permitted in Northern Apex and Horizon South camping.

Gazebos are not permitted in Start-Line Infield or Deluxe Tent camping.

Where permitted, the gazebo, ropes, pegs and all other equipment must remain completely within your allocated campsite.

Gazebos must be adequately secured at all times.

Are fire pits permitted?

Small, fully enclosed fire pits are permitted in Northern Apex and Horizon South camping, subject to weather conditions, fire restrictions and directions from event staff.

Fire pits are only permitted in Infield camping outside of track activity.

Where permitted, fire pits must:

  • Be fully contained and raised off the ground
  • Be supervised by a responsible adult at all times
  • Be located away from tents, vehicles and flammable materials
  • Use clean, untreated firewood
  • Be fully extinguished before sleeping or leaving the campsite

Timber containing nails, screws, bolts, paint or chemical treatment is prohibited.

Fire pits must not be used during a fire ban or on days with an Extreme or higher fire danger rating. Event management may prohibit fires at any time if conditions are considered unsafe.

Can I bring a barbecue or gas cooker?

Yes. Contained gas barbecues and portable gas cookers are permitted.

Gas bottles must:

  • Be no larger than 9kg
  • Be within their certified test date
  • Be in safe working condition

Gas appliances must never be operated inside tents, vehicles or other enclosed spaces. Their use remains subject to any applicable fire restrictions.

Can I bring alcohol?

No BYO alcohol is permitted because The Bend is a licensed venue.

Alcohol purchased from a licensed outlet inside the venue may be taken back to your campsite.

Security may inspect vehicles and camping equipment upon entry and re-entry.

Is glass permitted?

No. Glass is strictly prohibited throughout the venue and campgrounds.

Please transfer food, drinks and other products into plastic, aluminium or another suitable non-glass container before arriving.

Can I bring food and non-alcoholic drinks?

Yes. You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks, provided they are not in glass containers.

Food and beverage outlets will also operate throughout the event.

Are toilets and showers available?

Yes. Toilet and shower facilities are available near all extended camping areas.

Please help keep the shared amenities clean and report any maintenance or cleaning concerns to event staff.

Where can I buy ice?

Ice is available from selected event outlets and BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park Reception during advertised opening hours, subject to availability.

Are pets allowed?

No. Pets are not permitted in Trackside or Infield camping areas.

Accredited assistance animals are permitted in accordance with applicable requirements. Guests bringing an assistance animal should contact the event team before arrival.

What items are prohibited?

Prohibited items include:

  • Glass
  • BYO alcohol
  • Weapons or dangerous items
  • Drones or UAVs
  • Electric transport devices, unless authorised
  • Large or inappropriate tools
  • Gas bottles larger than 9kg
  • More than 20 litres of fuel
  • Large furniture other than standard camping furniture
  • Pets, excluding accredited assistance animals
  • Illegal substances
  • Fireworks, flares or other pyrotechnics

Security may refuse entry to any item considered unsafe or unsuitable for the venue.

What happens if I leave rubbish behind?

All rubbish must be placed in the bins provided. Large or bulky items must be removed from the venue when you leave.

Campsites must be left clean and free from rubbish, damaged equipment and fire debris. Sites left in an unacceptable condition may incur a cleaning fee of up to $200.

Serious misuse of a campsite may also affect the booking holder’s eligibility to repurchase the same site for future events.

Who is responsible for following the camping rules?

The person named on the booking is responsible for ensuring everyone staying on the campsite follows:

  • Event terms and conditions
  • Camping rules
  • Fire and safety restrictions
  • Security requirements
  • Directions given by event staff

Failure to comply may result in removal from the campground without a refund.

Family and Experiences

Will there be a Family Zone?

Yes. Expect an expanded Family Zone with family-friendly activity elements. More details on entertainment and activations will be released soon.

Will there be karting during the weekend?

Yes. The Kartdrome will be avaliable, with more details to come on the AirTouch 500 Karting Championship and session availability.

Will V8 hot laps be available?

Yes. V8 hot lap experiences will be running during the event weekend. Driver line-ups and booking details are still to be announced.

What is the Sunset Pit Lane Party?

The Sunset Pit Lane Party is part of the 2026 event plan, with Saturday evening activation on Pit Straight including DJ energy and a more social after-racing atmosphere. Final details will be released closer to the event.

What is Micro Speedway at the Dragway Live Action Arena?

Micro Speedway is planned as a featured Friday and Saturday night entertainment, designed to keep the event atmosphere going beyond the main circuit action.

Stay, Travel and Region

Can I stay on-site without camping?

Yes. On-site accommodation includes Rydges Pit Lane Hotel and BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park, giving fans convenient options to stay close to the action all weekend.

Can I extend my stay and explore the region?

Absolutely. AirTouch 500 at The Bend is a great base for exploring the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong, making it easy to turn race weekend into a longer South Australian getaway.

Is this a good event for a road trip?

Yes – especially for fans coming from Adelaide, regional South Australia and Victoria. With camping, hotel, holiday park and regional stay options, The Bend is built for a proper multi-night motorsport weekend.