However, it wasn’t just the circuit that was expanding. The name was also changed to the Bathurst 1000 to reflect the recent upgrade. In 1973, arguably the biggest development to the Bathurst 1000 took place, with the race being extended to its iconic 1000km distance. At the time, cars had to be raced “as is” from the manufacturer-a far cry from today’s incredible Supercar V8s that are purpose built for performance. While the official name ‘Bathurst 500’ didn’t come along until much later, contemporary Aussie slang of the time was already calling the race, “The Bathurst Special”.īy the late 1960’s the Bathurst race was internationally renowned and a landmark event in Aussie sport.ĭuring the late 60’s the success of the big V8’s in taking on The Mountain over smaller engines established Mt Panorama as the undisputed home of V8 racing. The epic Mt Panorama circuit in Bathurst was chosen as the new home of the Armstrong 500, just as the race was becoming the main event on the motorsports calendar. The road between the island and the Victorian mainland was prone to breaking under the strain of the long race, meaning a more established circuit was required after severe damage occurred during the 1962 race. Both Harry Firth and the legendary Bob Jane were champions with a Mercedes 220 SE and Ford Falcon XL taking the honours between them.Īfter two years at Phillip Island, the Armstrong 500 needed a new home. Some of the great names in Australian car racing took to the track. The 500 mile (800km) race came with an impressive prize pool for the era (£11,000) and was split into 5 classes based on engine size. At the time, the event was promoted as the world’s premier production saloon car race. įunnily enough, the history of the Bathurst 1000 doesn’t begin in Bathurst, and the race wasn’t 1000km! Despite being the most famous car race in Australia, the Bathurst 1000 started life as the Armstrong 500, on Phillip Island near Melbourne, in November 1960. Make sure you get in quick, the 2021 event is selling out quickly, so secure your spot now. With Fastrack V8 you can drive a purpose built V8 race car on Mt Panorama just like one of your racing heros, or jump in the passenger seat as a legend of the Mountain takes you for a hot lap. Make sure you book ahead if you’re coming for the Bathurst 1000, because as things get crowded, bookings can be hard to come byĭrive a purpose-built V8 race car – The premier bucket list experience that only a select few ever have the fortune to tick off their list. Visit the local wineries and eateries – Bathurst is finding a name for itself as one of Australia’s premium destinations for small, family owned wineries and world-class eateries. National Motor Racing Museum – If you’re heading to Mt Panorama for The Great Race, you’ve simply got to stop by the National Motor Racing Museum to pay your respects to a half century of fascinating Australian motor racing history. Heading to Bathurst for the Bathurst 1000? While your weekend might be filled with V8 Supercar action on the track, there’s plenty of other activities to keep you entertained in the charming city of Bathurst.
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