A total of 22 roads within the iconic motor racing circuit have been named in honour of past and present legends, includinG Brock, Moffat, Richards, Lowndes, Whincup and Skaife. 

Motorcyclists have not been left out either, with avenues named after greats of that sport like Mick Doohan and Barry Sheene. 

Motor racing legend Jim Richards was thrilled yesterday to learn there was an avenue on Mount Panorama bearing his name.

“I think that’s terrific. I’m really chuffed,” he said.

He was particularly pleased that it had been done while he was still alive to see it. A street outside the circuit cannot be named after a living person – they must have passed away.

Mr Richards will be in Bathurst for the 1000 this year with his team Jim Richards Racing, and said he will definitely wander by and take a look.

“There might even be a place there for me to pitch my tent,” he joked.

The names were put forward by 550 racing fans, both locally and around the world, and the most popular 22 chosen to become a permanent part of Mount Panorama’s  racing history. 

The signs have been erected in a campsite area located behind the Pit Complex for officials and volunteers during major events at the circuit. 

In addition to the new internal roads, council will change the name of the existing Twelfth Avenue to Bathurst Avenue.

Mayor Gary Rush said there are plans to affix plaques along the avenue to recognise significant contributions to Mount Panorama made by local individuals. He said it was fantastic to see community engagement and history come together. 

“Recognising Bathurst’s rich motoring history is an important part of growing Bathurst as a tourist destination,” he said.

“Each one of these 22 names has a unique story to tell, and I’m thrilled council has formally recognised the contribution of these motoring personalities to the Bathurst region. 

“It will obviously add to the experience of the people who make the pilgrimage to camp on Mount Panorama, and I’m sure many will be selective about where they want to stay.

“We went to the community and the community told us who they wanted to see acknowledged.

“It is an investment in our overall endeavour to attract people to Bathurst and provide an extra layer of experience.”

Cr Warren Aubin said some motorcyclists were recognised as well because bikes were such a big part of the history of Mount Panorama, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s.

Brock Avenue, Doohan Avenue, Lowndes Avenue, Sheene Avenue, Johnson Avenue, Toombs Avenue, Moffat Avenue, Goss Avenue, Skaife Avenue, Bartlett Avenue, Richards Avenue, Geoghegan Avenue, Perkins Avenue, Jane Avenue, Murphy Avenue, Bond Avenue, Bowe Avenue, Ingall Avenue, Seton Avenue, Firth Avenue, Grice Avenue and Whincup Avenue.