Professional drivers from all over the world have poured in to Bathurst during the past few days in anticipation of this weekend’s 12 Hour race. 

Yesterday they were all officially welcomed to the Mount by local indigenous leaders and mayor Gary Rush at the very top of the Skyline.

And it was clear from the looks on their faces that they didn’t want to be anywhere else.

This year’s race has attracted several well-known drivers, including daredevil Felix Baumgartner, who made a name for himself when he jumped from space in 2012 in a Red Bull promotion.

He had only good things to say about Mount Panorama, even joking that his video simulator doesn’t do the track justice.

Baumgartner was confident his team, Phoenix Racing, would do well when it comes to this weekend’s race.

“I’m completely impressed by the layout of this track,” he said.

“We have some good drivers and we have a Le Mans driver on the team.”

Among the international drivers is America’s Patrick Long, racing in a Porsche in the 12 Hour for the ICE Break team. 

The 33-year-old compared the Mount Panorama track to some of the best and most recognised in the world.

For him, driving this iconic track has always been a dream and in 2014 he finally achieved it.

As expected, the Mount, and Bathurst itself, were all he had imagined and more.

“For more than 10 years I’ve wanted to take part in a race here,” Long said.

“When the racing comes to town, everyone gives you a thumbs up. 

“It is a really enjoyable track, but you’ve got to be on your game.”

According to Long, Mount Panorama has a very versatile track that is great in its length, elevation, flow and unique descent. 

All those things combined make it one of the best.

“It is easily one of the top three tracks in the world,” he said.

The real test will come on Sunday for all 53 cars taking part in the 12 Hour, when they take to the track for a mammoth race around the Mount.