Mount preparing for biggest 12 Hour yet

Mayor Paul Toole said he has been impressed with the increasing interest in the event, which has in four years consolidated to become the second major motor sports attraction at Mount Panorama.

"This year we have started preparations for the race about a fortnight out from the event from February 12-14," Cr Toole said. "We've had council workmen at the track all of this week and they will be there until next Wednesday when the mountain will be closed for the finishing touches and arrival of officials."

Cr Toole said a record 47 entries for what will be known as the ArmorAll Bathurst 12 Hour really speaks for itself. The race should be quite a spectacle, drawing several thousand people to Bathurst over a number of days but for around the clock racing.

When you have personalities like Eric Bana among the drivers you know there will be a lot of spectator interest. There will also be a touch of V8 Supercar magnetism with Greg Murphy and John Bowe to drive.

But what is an even greater attraction from a Bathurst perspective is the fact three local drivers, Matt Windsor, Steve Shiels and Mark Newman will all be seen in action.

The program is one with a lot of appeal to motor sports enthusiasts, with Porches in action, GTs and saloons, something for everyone who has an interest in all types of cars.

"Preparing the mountain for these events is always a big job for council staff," Cr Toole said. "We have had members of the engineer's department at the track for days this week. The area has to be mowed, verges of the track have to be attended to, the facilities have to be in order for the crowd.

"People arriving early driving to the mountain should keep an eye out for the workmen who are on the track, after the storms there is a bit more work for them to do. But everything should be ready from the morning of Wednesday, February 10."