Bathurst 1,000

 

Hello everyone, this Monday I am writing a bit about the Bathurst 1000, for those who don’t know it is a car race.

In fact, the Bathurst 1000 is Australia’s most iconic motorsport event, it’s a 1,000 km (621 miles) endurance race held every October at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, NSW.

It’s the crown jewel of the Supercars Championship and a cultural institution for racing fans.

The Mount Panorama Circuit is a public road for most of the year but transformed into a world‑class racetrack during events. The circuit has dramatic elevation changes of 174 metres, tight technical sections, and the blisteringly fast Conrod Straight, where cars can hit 300 km/h, (187 mph).

The race involves 161 laps which is a total distance of 1,000.29km’s, with teams consisting of two drivers sharing one car. It is known for unpredictable weather, safety cars, crashes, and strategy battles.

It was first run in 1960 as the Armstrong 500 at Phillip Island. It moved to Bathurst in 1963, the distance was increased to 1,000 km in 1973.

The winners receive the Peter Brock Trophy, named after the nine‑time Bathurst champion known as the “King of the Mountain.”

Last year the winners were Matt Payne & Garth Tander, it was Payne’s first Bathurst win and Tander’s sixth, placing him equal third all‑time. It was a chaotic, rain‑affected race with late‑race drama, including a penalty reshuffling the final order.

This year’s race is scheduled for 8–11 October it is promoted as another massive chapter in the Enduro Cup, with fan events, displays, and family‑friendly entertainment.

There’s also the Bathurst 12 Hour, a GT endurance race held earlier in the year. It features GT3 supercars and international drivers. Recent editions have included major crashes and dramatic red flags. I have not heard of this race.