The decision some years ago to open the field to the exotic GT cars was nothing short of a masterstroke.

With the addition of these eye-catching vehicles from world famous manufacturers, the long-term future of this race was assured.

Having big names such as Ferrari, Mercedes, Lamborghini, Audi, Porsche, Nissan, McLaren, BMW, Subaru and even Lotus, Aston Martin and Bentley, combined with our famous mountain, makes for a spectacle that has global, prime-time television appeal.

Local councillor Warren Aubin, an acknowledged motorsport buff, has always had a firm belief the 12 Hour race would end up being something very special.

His faith in the event has been repaid, and with the field for the 2015 12 Hour going past the 50 mark, there appears no end to its potential.

Indeed, Cr Aubin believes that, in time, the 12 Hour event could even usurp the Bathurst 1000 for the V8 Supercars as the number one motorsport event in the nation.

It’s a big call. And it’s a telling observation.

For now, the Bathurst region is fortunate to have two stellar races entrenched on the Mount Panorama calendar.

In fact, the two events are vastly different and shouldn’t be compared.

The V8s draw thousands of fans to Bathurst each year, pouring millions into the local economy.

The 12 Hour event does not bring in that same number of spectators, but it does have an appeal to a global television audience. 

Two events. Two very different suites of benefits. Two reasons for the people of this city to be thankful for the magnificent facility on their doorstep.

Once again, Bathurst is the winner.