Bathurst 1000: Mega Notebook
Well, we’re better late than never! Here’s a massive deep dive behind the scenes from the Bathurst 1000, covering all of the things you missed from home… Enjoy!
Beer Here
Our good mates at Reckless Brewing knocked one out of the park with their limited edition range of Walkinshaw Andretti United lager, celebrating some of the classic liveries from over the years. It’s good stuff!
Scenes from the Camping Grounds and Spectator Areas
Aurora Australis?!
At this time of year?
At this time of day?
In this part of the country?
Localised entirely above Mount Panorama?
Those in Bathurst early on Thursday morning or Friday evening were treated to a spectacular display of the Southern Lights…
Catch Fence
Since the days of Dick Johnson smoting a rock exiting the Cutting, Mount Panorama’s custodians have been cognisant of not having things fall onto the track. Demonstrating its effectiveness, this catch fence above the Dipper stopped this empty tin in its path. Well played.
Downtown Getting Behind the Event
Left: Someone has donated their unwanted Australian Racing Group jumper to an op shop… while right: Tommy was in good hands
Moved Marshalls
A decade removed from the time Chaz Mostert pancaked into the flag marshall’s point above Forrest’s Elbow, the position has been relocated slightly up the hill, hopefully keeping it out of the firing line. The new point probably isn’t in the line of sight for the drivers as well, but that’s the price payable for safety.
Enter the Hino Hub
An entourage from Hino was given a behind-the-scenes look at the Hino Hub, as hosted by Neil Crompton. On set were the original Camaro and Mustang test mule prototypes, which were borrowed from their new private collector custodian for the event for Larko to crawl through and under.
We were promised a jet flyover…
The Air Force took the piss slightly on Saturday morning… the real F-35A arrived right on time come Sunday morning.
Infield Scenes: 2024 Edition
Who knew there was a delightful little pond on the infield adjacent to the Chase? Elsewhere, the TV camera chopper dropped down for some running adjustments.
Photographers at Hell Corner for the race start, all seeking out that unique angle…
Memorial Corner
Around the circuit, more and more memorials are being posted to remember those who have a special connection with The Mountain.
If you see this man run, follow him
This gentleman from Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics has in his hand the device that launched the end-of-race fireworks from the pedestrian bridge above the finish line. The various devices were installed on Saturday evening after the bulk of the punters had exited the circuit.
Mount Panorama Boardwalk
Installed during the pandemic, the walkway that starts at Griffins Bend and ends at Forrest’s Elbow provides breathtaking vistas, much information on the local area, and an incredible workout for those who can complete its tour.
Playground with a View
Just behind the gravel trap at McPhillamy Park is this aptly themed playground, a nice touch.
The Compound
Still standing today, the brick structure has seen its share of action since the 1970s…
Private Camping
Around the various residential properties within the Mount Panorama precinct, many locals open up their grounds for ‘private’ camping or, indeed, their own forms of homegrown corporate entertainment.
Buried Mic
The fresh for 2024 camera embedded in the kerb on the left-hander at The Chase is completed by an effects microphone, which is buried in the ground just to the inside of the camera. A line to this camera is some 50m over the top of the tyre barrier in the middle of the chase, with its last 30 buried under the topsoil en route to the apex of the corner.
Give me a sign
There is numerous pieces of evidence of old signs around the circuit. From those that are no longer used or have been removed, to one recycled on the backside of the billboard at The Dipper, to old Camel Filters or Channel 10 logos painted on the backside of walls around the venue. There are plenty of relics from the past still out there, if you know where to look…
Speed Sign Memories
Coming down the first hump in Conrod Straight, reminders of the old speed sign that used to hang off the bridge are still visible.
Toilet: Be Gone
Rather than have unsightly toilets appear on the TV coverage, magic tricks such as those above tend to mask the portaloos from view.
Track Walk: 2024
In places, the circuit surface is looking rather tired, and overdue for a birthday…
Who you gonna call?
Remember back to The Great Race annual from 1984 (below), when the Ghostbusters Mazda RX-7 of Graham Moore and Peter McKay was launched with glasses of tomato juice in front of a haunted mansion? We tracked down the ruins, and as it transpires, they appear to still be standing. Eagled-eyed hunters can find this on the inside of the old Vale Circuit, just at the southern point of the track.
More on the Vale Circuit can be found here.
Chasing Tunnels
Constructed in 1993 and officially opened in 1994, the tunnel under the entry to the Chase allows residents on the inside of the circuit, plus event staff and teams access throughout times of track activity. In recent years, effort has been applied to fix drainage and support the walls on the inside of the track, with a chain in place attached to the catch fence keeping one wall upright.
The Wildlife of Mount Panorama
Outside of a brown snake, the circuit was also visited this year by (another) echidna and a lizzard. Elsewhere around the grounds, there were plenty of animals to be distracted by.
Wednesday Street Party
A fantastic initiative, which sets the bar for the event in future years.
Ok…
Mark Walker (administrator)
A vastly experienced Motorsport Public Relations operator, journalist, commentator and photographer, Mark brings his unique angle to The Race Torque in both words and imagery. As well as serving as our key photographer on the ground at major events around Australia (and overseas), Walker will often chime in with his unique and pin-point sharp viewpoint of the racing world via the keyboard too.
