The crowd at this year’s event was strong, driven by its family-friendly atmosphere and a couple of big names out on the grid.

Among those taking on the endurance event were eventual winners Chaz Mostert and Nathan Morcom, Paul Morris, John Bowe and a long list of “grassroots” drivers.

Bathurst 6 Hour media manager Richard Craill said he expects there will be more well-known drivers attracted to the Easter weekend event in 2017.

“The weekend works really well because there is no other racing going on that weekend and everyone wants to get laps in at Mount Panorama,” he said.

Event director James O’Brien said that while it’s nice to have them involved, the 6 Hour isn’t targeting Supercars drivers specifically. 

“This is more the grassroots sort of motorsport,” he said.

There are three endurance events at Mount Panorama every year: the Bathurst 12 Hour, Bathurst 1000 and the 6 Hour.

Mr O’Brien said each event is different and as a result attracts different drivers.

“The 6 Hour is for production cars, which are more of the road cars,” he said.

Entries opened for the 6 Hour on August 1 and the grid is already halfway to the maximum number of 72 cars.

This year’s event had 50 entries, something the team behind the 6 Hour hope to improve upon.

Mr Craill said having a full grid “is a real possibility” considering how much time there still is to enter.

Drivers who would like to enter the Bathurst 6 Hour are able to register for at www.bathurst6hour.com.au.

Entries close on March 10, 2017.

Spectators will be able to purchase tickets for the event off the official website in a couple of months time.

“They are going to be very, very affordable and that will keep it a family-friendly event,” Mr Craill said.

People will also be able to live stream the race from the 6 Hour website and later watch a two-hour highlights package of the event on SBS.