Parade is a keen motor sport fan and is still trying to get over the dramatic finish to the Supercars Championship in Newcastle on Sunday. 

While it's not part of the championship, the next major race on the Australian motor sport calendar is the 12 Hour. 

Parade is understandably excited about the event and has already started looking into who will be taking on the challenge of Mount Panorama. 

Several Supercars drivers have signed up, including full time drivers and those who frequently come on board as co-drivers for the endurance events.

Some of the big names are Lee Holdsworth, Tim Slade, Warren Luff, Dean Canto and Steve Owen. 

While nothing has been confirmed, Parade's reading has found that people are tipping Chaz Mostert, Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup to also make their 12 Hour returns.

No matter who else joins the field, Parade expects it will be an exciting race.

THE weather report is not favourable for the very first Christmas Picnic in the Parade. 

According to both the Bureau of Meteorology and Weatherzone, it is going to absolutely bucket down on Saturday, with the two organisations predicting between 20 and 30 millimetres on Saturday. 

The picnic is meant to go ahead despite the rain, but Parade is confident a lot of families won’t be willing to head out in the conditions. 

Parade thinks its a shame that the weather won’t be better for the inaugural event, but the idea itself should be enough to draw a crowd in future years. 

JIMMY Barnes was quite popular in Bathurst on Thursday.

Parade heard that people started lining up around lunch time in anticipation for his book signing at 5.30pm.

She admires their dedication, as it’s not something she’d be prepared to do.