Mount Panorama Circuit

Mount Panorama Circuit stands as one of the most challenging and iconic racing venues in the world. Located in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia, this 6.213 km (3.861 mi) track transforms from public road to racing circuit several times each year. The track opened in 1938 and has since become synonymous with Australian motorsport. Its unique combination of steep climbs, fast straights, and technical corners tests the skill of every driver who faces its demanding layout. The dramatic 174-meter elevation change across the circuit creates a roller-coaster experience for drivers and spectators alike.

Track Layout and Key Sections

The circuit begins with Pit Straight, where teams set up their operations during race events. At the end of this straight lies Hell Corner, a tight right-hand turn known for first-lap incidents. Drivers then accelerate up Mountain Straight before navigating Griffins Bend, a challenging left-hand hairpin. The course continues through The Cutting, a narrow uphill section with concrete walls on both sides, leaving no room for error. At the top of the mountain, drivers face Reid Park and Sulman Park, technical sections that demand precision. McPhillamy Park presents a fast left-hand sweep that leads to Skyline, where the track suddenly drops away. The descent continues through The Esses, a series of quick turns that test car control. After negotiating Forrest's Elbow, drivers reach Conrod Straight, where top-tier racing cars exceed 300 km/h. The Chase, a high-speed chicane added in 1987 for safety reasons, breaks this straight before Murray's Corner returns drivers to Pit Straight.

Technical Specifications

The track features 23 turns (13 right-hand, 10 left-hand) across its 6.213 km length. The maximum gradient reaches an impressive 1 in 6.13 (16.3%), creating one of the steepest climbs in motorsport. Track width varies throughout the circuit, with particularly narrow sections across the mountain. This combination of elevation changes, varying widths, and concrete barriers makes Mount Panorama one of the most difficult circuits to master.

Racing History

Mount Panorama hosted its first event, the Australian Tourist Trophy, in 1938. The circuit gained international fame through the Bathurst 1000, which evolved from the Bathurst 500 first held in 1963. Initially a 500-mile race for production cars, it expanded to 1000 kilometers in 1973. This endurance race, often called "The Great Race," has become Australia's premier motorsport event.

Famous Events and Records

The Bathurst 1000 remains the signature event at Mount Panorama, drawing huge crowds every October. In recent years, the Bathurst 12 Hour has grown in stature, attracting international GT teams and drivers. Chaz Mostert holds the lap record for the current layout with a time of 1:58.6754, set in 2019. Peter Brock earned the title "King of the Mountain" with nine Bathurst 1000 victories, cementing his place in Australian motorsport legend.

Unique Features

Unlike most racing circuits, Mount Panorama operates as a public road when not hosting events. Local residents use the circuit daily, with a strictly enforced speed limit of 60 km/h. The track offers excellent viewing areas, particularly at McPhillamy Park and across the mountain section. The concrete walls that line many sections of the track have claimed countless racing cars over decades, earning the circuit its reputation as both beautiful and dangerous.