
Mount Panorama Racing Circuit - host of the Bathurst 1000
If you're in the mood for some grunty, testosterone fueled entertainment, head out to Bathurst this weekend.
Considered Australia's leading annual car-racing event,
the Bathurst 1000 (also known as the The Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000) is not only on again, but celebrating its fiftieth year. Both on and off track entertainment is scheduled for the massive day.
Since 1999, the 1000 km race (traditionally held on a Sunday in October) pits V8 Supercars against each other at average speeds of 178km on the 6.213 km Mount Panorama circuit. The racetrack starts at the base of Mount Panorama and includes many sharp turns, steep straights and drops. Cars can reach speeds of up to 300km/hour.
The race is a test of speed, performance and reliability. Since the races' inception, Holden has won the race 25 times and Ford 17 times. In 2011, Garth Tander and Nick Percat were winning drivers for the Holden Racing Team.
Current drivers include Garth Tander, Will Davison, Jason Bright and Mark Winterbottom. Competing teams include the Holden Racing Team, Jack Daniel's, Jim Beam, Vodafone, Brad Jones and Fair Dinkum Sheds.
Racing events are scheduled over the four days starting Thursday 4th October till the big race on Sunday.
For all you need to know, including a list of racing teams, drivers and an events schedule of races, visit the
Bathurst V8 Supercars website, the official site of the race.
Scheduled entertainment includes the Legends Parade Lap featuring legends of the racing event. There is the opportunity to watch a choreographed sky show by the RAAF Roulettes, or watch the Hitachi Stunt Team burn rubber. Visit the National Motor Racing Museum or the Legends Museum or take a helicopter scenic flight around Mount Panorama.
Ticket PricesThere are a wide range of ticket options including daily passes, 4 day passes and concessions, general admission tickets and grandstand seating tickets. Ticket prices range from $77 (for a concession Sunday pass) to $170 (for a 4 day general admission adult pass). Tickets are cheaper if pre-purchased. Kids under 12 get in free.
Grandstand tickets are more expensive again and give you access to all of the general admission areas plus your own seat, allowing you to come and go knowing that when all the action on track begins, you're in prime viewing position.
To check out all the options, visit the
Bathurst V8 Supercars website, the official site of the race.
Disability Access
The Bathurst 2000 is an accessible event for those who find it hard to get about. The race has disability access, disabled parking, a disability viewing platform and a disabled shuttle bus service providing access around the race track. For more information, click on this link to the
Bathurst V8 Supercars website.
Getting there
Bathurst is 2 and a half hours drive west of Sydney. Take the Great Western Highway through the Blue Mountains and follow the signs. The M4 turns into the Great Western Highway past the Mountains.
Countrylink is operating a special train to Bathurst from Sydney on Sunday 7th October, the day of the big race. This includes coach transfers from and to the Mountains. The train will arrive in Bathurst at 9.15am and departs 6.30pm. Call 132232 for more information or go to the
countrylink website here.
You can also catch the XPT from Sydney or catch a Cityrail train to Lithgow. From thence, you need to catch a coach to Bathurst.
Another option is to fly. Visit
Regional Express for a list of flights to the Bathurst area.
Prepare in advance for accommodation
If you require accommodation, be aware that this event is massive and much of the town's accommodation is booked out over the weekend of the race. Make sure to enquire in advance.
Mount Panorama is the most well known tourist feature of the Central West town of Bathurst, with a major hotel (Rydges) built upon it. The race attracts thousands annually and is one of the biggest annual tourist event in regional Australia.