WHEN the Australian Long Track Masters get underway at the Bathurst Showground today, the Panorama Motorcycle Club will not only be acting as host, but pressing their claims for podiums as well.

Steve McDonald is one of the Bathurst contingent who is keen to impress on his home track. He will compete across three different events with as many bikes.

Bathurst will be represented across a range of events from Tom Scott in the Junior 125cc/250cc through to riders like Damien Grabham and Chris Hagney in the Over 35s Unlimited.

McDonald will take on the Pro 450, Unlimited 2-Stroke and Classic Unlimited categories.

The enjoyment of competing in different categories and experiencing varying types of racing is the big draw card of long track racing for McDonald.

“It’s definitely one of the biggest events of the year for me,” he said.

“I’ve got the 450 and then an old 500 two-stroke and then an even older XL 500 for the Classic Unlimited. You’ve got to try and get used to riding them all and it’s a good challenge.

“I think the most competitive racing will be in the Pro 450, because there’s some top class riders going in that.”

Racing returned to the Showground last year following an absence of almost a decade and now that people have had a taste of racing at the venue, McDonald said everyone wants another crack.

“Everyone’s been really excited to have the racing back at Bathurst from Blayney. The Showground’s a track that a lot of people in Australia know about,” he said.

“You’ve even got guys coming from Western Australia and Adelaide. 

“Last year was a really big meeting and I expect that it’s only going to continue growing. The whole club puts in a big effort to make this happen. It’s a very well-run meeting.

“Last Saturday they were putting the fencing up for it and that was when it really felt like it was getting close.

“I’d say this is as tough as an Australian title level for some races. They’ve got a good group of riders coming over for this.”

Riders will start practice at 10am while racing gets underway at 11.30am today.

In total 107 races will be staged in a packed program, which has a break at dusk and is expected to run through until 10pm.