Heroes and legends are set to be immortalised ahead of this year’s Bathurst 1000 after the event was launched in Sydney on Wednesday morning.
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Twelve of the greatest names in Australian motorsport will be included into Legend’s Lane, a permanent tribute to their achievements at on the world’s most revered racing circuits – Mount Panorama.
Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger said the tribute would present another major drawcard for the thousands of people who visit the track.
“Mount Panorama holds a special place in the heart of Australian motorsport fans,” he said
“The proposed tribute to the legends of the Mount will continue to build on the reputation of the circuit as the spiritual home of motor sports in this nation.”
Supercars CEO James Warburton said the legends’ permanent legacy would become a major focal point for Mount Panorama.
“This will be a major tourism drawcard to join the National Motor Racing Museum where, of course, the Peter Brock statue resides, as a lasting legacy for motorsport in this country.”
The Bathurst 1000 is less than seven weeks away and Cr Hanger said event organisers had been hard at work.
“The Supercars people have been well in hand preparing. They’re looking forward to it,” he said.
“James Warburton and his team have been putting in some hard work.”
The Bathurst 1000 was launched at The Rocks in Sydney with a picturesque backdrop of the Sydney Opera House.
Cr Hanger called the venue an “outstanding” option.
Allan Moffat, a former four-time Bathurst 1000 winner, was at the launch accompanied by his 1977 Ford Falcon, ahead of the 40th anniversary of the famous 1-2 finish with his then teammate Colin Bond.
Former Bathurst 1000 winners Jim Richards and Fred Gibson also gathered in Sydney, alongside current champions Will Davison and Jonathon Webb.
‘Heroes and Legends’ is the theme for this year's Great Race.
The first of the greats to be inducted into Legend’s Lane will be announced at a function on the Friday evening of Race Week, with many of their famous cars to be on display at the event.
Details are set to be released about the function.
Come race day, on Sunday, the legends will be honoured prior to the start of the Bathurst 1000 with a driver’s parade and the legends will conduct autograph sessions for the public on Saturday and Sunday.
A ‘Heroes and Legends’ merchandise range, including all event lanyards, has been designed and will be available prior to and at the event.
FOX Sports will air specials on many of the legends across the event weekend as part of the broadcast and 24-hour Bathurst channel.
This year’s race is set to reach new height records following on from Will Davidson and Jonathon Webb’s victory last year in one the most dramatic finishes.
The Bathurst 1000 is held on October 8, with millions of spectators expected to watch at home.