Bathurst 1000

The Repco Bathurst 1000, often called "The Great Race," will return to the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. This endurance race stands as a cornerstone of the Supercars Championship, Australia's premier touring car racing series. The event brings together the best drivers and teams in v8supercars competition for a test of speed, strategy, and stamina across 1000 kilometers.

The race covers 161 laps of the Mount Panorama Circuit. Teams field two drivers per car, typically pairing a primary Supercars competitor with an experienced co-driver. The winners receive the Peter Brock Trophy, named after the legendary nine-time champion known as "King of the Mountain." This event forms a key round of the Supercars Championship and counts toward the Ryco Enduro Cup.

The Mount Panorama Circuit

Mount Panorama, also known as Wahluu, ranks among the most challenging racing circuits globally. The track measures 6.213 kilometers in length and operates as a street circuit. The course functions as a public road with a regulated speed limit when racing does not take place. Several residences can only be accessed via the circuit itself.

The circuit features a dramatic elevation change of 174 meters from its lowest to highest points. Some sections have gradients as steep as 1:6.13. This elevation creates significant technical challenges for drivers, who must manage precise braking and throttle control throughout the lap.

Key Circuit Sections

Hell Corner marks the first left turn at the start of each lap. The Esses and The Dipper form a series of steep, tight corners where cars descend rapidly. Skyline represents the highest point of the circuit before a sharp descent. Forrest's Elbow is a tight left turn that leads onto Conrod Straight.

Conrod Straight is the fastest section of the track. This 1.916-kilometer straight allows v8supercars to exceed 300 km/h before drivers brake hard for The Chase. The Chase is a high-speed chicane introduced in 1987 to slow cars before Murray's Corner, which leads back to the pit straight.

Expected Participants

The Bathurst 1000 typically features a grid of approximately 25 v8supercars. The Supercars Championship currently includes major manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. The field comprises established teams like Triple Eight Race Engineering, Dick Johnson Racing, Walkinshaw Andretti United, Erebus Motorsport, and Brad Jones Racing.

Drivers represent a mix of seasoned champions, emerging talents, and international guest drivers. Each team combines racing experience with fresh perspectives to tackle the demanding Mount Panorama course.

Gen3 Supercars Technical Specifications

The Bathurst 1000 will be contested under Gen3 Supercars regulations. These regulations aim to increase road relevance while reducing costs for teams. The cars feature closer visual resemblance to their road-going counterparts, with key body components being interchangeable with production vehicles.

All v8supercars remain front-engined and rear-wheel drive. The Ford Mustang uses a 5.4-liter V8 engine. The Chevrolet Camaro utilizes a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The Toyota GR Supra features a 5.2-liter V8 DOHC engine.

Gen3 regulations reduce aerodynamic downforce by more than 50% compared to previous generations. This reduction promotes closer racing and places greater emphasis on driver skill. The cars use a control chassis that is smaller than previous versions, allowing a broader range of car models to compete.

Teams benefit from cost reductions of 30-40% in both acquisition and operating expenses. Control components include the Xtrax transaxle transmission, dampers, and rear suspension. The cars maintain sequential shifting and run on an E75 fuel blend. Dunlop supplies the control tire for all competitors.

Race History

The race began in 1960 as the "Armstrong 500," a 500-mile endurance race for production-based saloon cars at Phillip Island. The event moved to Mount Panorama in 1963 due to poor track conditions at Phillip Island. The first race at Bathurst was televised, which significantly boosted its profile.

The race distance extended to 1000 kilometers in 1973, aligning with Australia's conversion to the metric system. The eligibility rules restricted entries to Australian-manufactured or assembled cars, which ignited the fierce Ford versus Holden rivalry that became central to the event's identity.

Peter Brock holds the record with nine victories and earned the title "King of the Mountain." The winner's trophy carries his name in recognition of his achievements. The race has seen various categories and marques throughout its history, from production saloon cars to Group A, Group C, and now Gen3 v8supercars.

Notable Facts About the Event

Mount Panorama was originally a tourist drive. Local and federal government developed it into a race track through a national employment relief effort during The Depression. The first racing event took place in April 1938.

The 1000-kilometer distance resonated with Australians as it matched common road trip distances between major cities like Brisbane and Sydney, and Sydney and Melbourne. Only two drivers have won the Bathurst 1000 driving solo: Allan Moffat in 1970 and 1971, and Peter Brock in 1972.

No Bathurst 1000 has been completed in less than five hours. The quickest race still exceeded five hours. The greatest number of Safety Car periods was 13, and the most laps affected by the Safety Car was 45 of 161 laps.

Brothers Geoff and David Brabham are the only siblings to have won the Bathurst 1000 together, achieving this in 1997. Peter Brock achieved victories by racing two different cars in the same event, transferring to a sister entry after his primary car experienced issues. One winning chassis holds the distinction of being the only car to win the Bathurst 1000 twice.

The race continues to draw fans and competitors from across Australia and around the world. Mount Panorama tests every aspect of driver ability and team preparation. The combination of high speeds, tight corners, and dramatic elevation changes creates a unique challenge in v8supercars competition. This endurance race remains the pinnacle of Australian touring car racing.