He yesterday said motorcycle racing was, in its day, a very big part of Bathurst – and he believes a second circuit would be a success.

Doohan is no stranger to Bathurst, winning the final Australian motorcycle Grand Prix to be held in the TT (Tourist Troup) format at Mount Panorama before the race moved to Phillip Island the following year when it became a round of the World Championship.

Doohan is in Bathurst this week for the AMG Challenge hosted by Mercedes. He has been driving Mercedes customers and invited guests on laps around the iconic circuit. 

Doohan said while adding a second circuit might change the appearance of Mount Panorama, its history would never change.

“Mount Panorama has a special place in motorsport history,” he said.

He said there were a number of reasons Bathurst would be a great location for a second world class motorsport facility, including its proud history, its proximity to the big cities and the fact that it is just a great region for motorsport. 

“I would love to see something like that at Bathurst,” he said.

“The first step, of course, is to build something to today’s regulations.

“Other places have modernised to take account of the new speeds and safety requirements. 

“Some motorcyclists still race at the Isle of Man, so why not Bathurst? “If there is a purpose-built race track and you offer some kind of major event, I am confident there would be a great crowd.”

With links to the Board of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, which helps to promote the Australian Moto GP and Formula One Grand Prix, Doohan was never going to go as far as saying Bathurst should aim to host the Moto GP in Australia, however he was happy to offer general support. 

“For Australia to have another world class venue would be fantastic,” he said.

“Regardless of where the Moto GP has its home – Bathurst has a great future.”

Doohan said there have been a lot of changes at Mount Panorama since he raced there. While it is still a public road, he said the pit complex and hospitality suites now make it look more like a race track than “a street with a shed on it”.

Doohan said he was surprised when he arrived to see that one of the roads in the camping ground bears his name.

“I am overwhelmed and thrilled to be part of the paddock,” he said.

He also spotted the National Motor Racing Museum and intends to take a walk through it before he leaves town.

The former world champion retired from racing in 1999 after a crash in qualifying left him with a leg broken in several places.  He said he doesn’t miss it. 

“I definitely don’t miss sliding down the road,” he grinned. “I’ve been out a long while. In fact I rarely ride. My focus is on what I am doing these days and having a bit of fun.”