As strict safety regulations dictate how tracks are set up, it’s only a matter of time before the move to make the iconic circuit safer for spectators becomes a reality.

One of the biggest shake-ups is likely to see debris guards line parts of the track most popular with the fans.

In other mooted changes the traditional sand traps, or kitty litter, could be replaced by sealed bitumen surfaces in an effort to stop cars rolling when they get into trouble.

City engineer Doug Patterson said yesterday it’s all part of the evolution process of making continuing improvements to the world-renowned circuit. “Each time Federation Internationale Automobile [FIA] inspects the track they raise issues, whether major or minor, that we need to address,” he said.

“This inspection takes place every three years. We haven’t been given an exact time, but we believe the next inspection will be shortly after this year’s V8 race in October.

“In recent times we’ve had an FIA representative from New Zealand, and before that England, come here.”

Mr Patterson said a lot of circuits now have debris fencing.

“And it’s only a matter of time before we have to install that type of safety initiative here in Bathurst,” he said. “It will come sometime in the future and we believe it will be in places such as Pit Straight and areas over the top of the track.

“As for the kitty litter, sealing those areas may not necessarily be the right answer for our circumstances, but that will be considered by CAMS and the FIA.

“At this stage we are looking at the sand trap opposite Citigate. It’s below the circuit at present, so the idea is to raise that area.

“Other than that there are no other real major upgrades planned at this stage. However, we are always ready to address issues raised by drivers, teams and CAMS because it’s important that Mount Panorama always be maintained to the very highest of standards.”