SCARY, terrifying and “like a roller-coaster”, Challenge Bathurst participants say there is nothing quite like taking to the iconic Mount Panorama circuit.
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Now in its second year, the four-day event gives people the chance to drive their own street or track racing car on the famous circuit.
This year 425 entries were accepted, up 32 per cent on 2016 numbers, and participants ranged from well-known Supercar and 12 Hour drivers to race fans who wanted to put themselves to the test.
And, the 6.2 kilometre track did challenge drivers, especially on Saturday when continual rain fell across the Mountain circuit.
Among those who took to the circuit was Canberra woman Jacqueline Taylor who drove a Mitsubishi FTO Version R.
“It’s the first time I’ve done it,” she said.
You’re 210km/h through The Chase at five inches off the ground. It’s exciting.
- Newcastle man Bill McBride talking about his Lotus 7 replica Clubman
“I’ve been in a race car before, but just little track events, nothing like this.
“It’s just an incredible adrenaline boost.”
Mrs Taylor said while she had watched the Bathurst 1000 on television, actually driving the circuit felt like being on a roller-coaster.
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“My husband [Graeme Taylor] races Group A Historics, he owns a Nissan Skyline,” she said. “This is his 50th birthday present to me.”
Bathurst men Ron Meek and David Reynolds were also taking part in a Nissan 180 SX and Nissan Skyline GTR respectively.
The men were among the participants in last year’s inaugural Challenge Bathurst, and said it was an event not-to-be-missed for any motorsport fan.
“I’ve always wanted to drive around [Mount Panorama] at full speed. I’m reaching 260km/h,” Mr Meek said.
Mr Reynolds said the affordable entry cost meant many people in the community could afford to take part.
“It’s really cheap to do and you can come up here and do the Bathurst track,” he said.
“It’s a controlled environment and it’s pretty safe and runs very well.”
Newcastle man Bill McBride has raced cars for more than 20 years and took his Lotus 7 replica Clubman to the Mount for the event.
“It’s unique, it’s a very high speed track – from Forrest’s Elbow to Conrod [Straight], Pit Straight, you’ll reach 100m/h [160km/h],” he said.
“You’re 210km/h through The Chase at five inches off the ground. It’s exciting.
“Bathurst is one of the bucket list events.”