Supercars - Bathurst 1000

The Bathurst 1000 stands as one of Australia's premier touring car races. This endurance race takes place at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales. The event forms a key part of the Supercars Championship and challenges teams to complete 1,000.29 kilometers across 161 laps. The race tests both speed and reliability over an extended distance.

Race Format and Structure

The Bathurst 1000 requires two drivers per car to share the driving duties. One driver can complete a maximum of 107 laps, while the second driver must finish at least 54 laps. This format makes the race a true test of team strategy and driver endurance. The event serves as the finale to the Enduro Cup within the Supercars Championship.

Mount Panorama Circuit Characteristics

Mount Panorama Circuit measures 6.213 kilometers in length and features 23 turns. The track presents a unique challenge with an elevation change of 174 meters between its highest and lowest points. The steepest section has a gradient of 1 in 6.13, which creates demanding conditions for drivers and vehicles.

Track Features

Conrod Straight allows Supercars to reach speeds approaching 300 km/h. The Mountain Straight enables cars to hit speeds up to 250 km/h. The circuit combines long straights with sharp corners and significant elevation changes. Mount Panorama operates as a public road outside of racing events, with a standard speed limit of 60 km/h. Over 40 private residences and businesses sit along the circuit in this rural setting.

Teams and Competitors for 2026

The Bathurst 1000 attracts top teams and drivers from the Supercars Championship. Toyota will enter the championship with the GR Supra in 2026. Walkinshaw TWG Racing will switch to Toyota GR Supras and become Toyota's factory racing team. Brad Jones Racing will also run Toyota GR Supras. Triple Eight Race Engineering will return to Ford and compete with Mustangs. These manufacturer entries bring different technical approaches to the race.

Technical Specifications

Supercars in 2026 will maintain the current technical framework that emphasizes reliability and cost-efficiency. Hybrid systems are expected to become standard across the grid. The race has featured various car classes throughout its existence, including production cars, Group C Touring Cars, Group A Touring Cars, and Super Touring Cars. Recent editions have been exclusive to V8 Supercars specifications.

History and Tradition

The race began as the Armstrong 500 in 1960 at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. The event moved to Bathurst in 1963. Race organizers extended the distance to 1,000 kilometers in 1973. The Peter Brock Trophy is awarded to the race winners. The Holden versus Ford rivalry has shaped much of the race's competitive history.

Notable Race Facts

The race has run without a safety car only twice since 1987, occurring in 1989 and 1991. Safety car periods are common due to the circuit's challenging nature. The track's 174-meter height difference creates unique mechanical stresses on the vehicles. The combination of public road status and world-class racing venue makes Mount Panorama Circuit distinctive among motorsport facilities.

What Makes This Race Special

The Bathurst 1000 combines endurance racing with a challenging circuit layout. The track's elevation changes and mix of high-speed sections with technical corners create a complete test of car and driver. Teams must balance outright pace with mechanical reliability across the race distance. The event draws large crowds and maintains a strong following both domestically and internationally. The 2026 edition promises to showcase the latest developments in Supercars competition at this demanding venue.