Over the next four days cars of all makes and varieties will go around the famous stretch of road, competing in timed and modern regularity events.

Event director James O’Brien said since 2016’s initial event Challenge Bathurst has become an even bigger target for drivers and teams.

“It’s the third year of the event and we’re consistently getting over 400 entries now. It’s close to capacity each year and has been well received by the motor sport community,” he said.

“We’re hoping for some good weather and a great experience for all.”

Part of that growth is undoubtedly due to the event’s positioning.

The Bathurst 12 Hour is now less than three months away and the 6 Hour edition is to follow on Easter Sunday.

For those teams participating in those races its a chance to get valuable minutes behind the wheel.

On the other end of the scale, it’s a chance for amateur drivers to experience a journey around Australia’s most treasured track.

“It complements the endurance races here well in that it gives guys an opportunity to get laps here around the Mount,” O’Brien said.

“They can test different tyres, different drivers at the top end. Then you’ve got club drivers at the other end who just get an opportunity to go around this iconic circuit at pace, which wasn’t available in the years gone by.

“We now have four annual events here at the Mount. Things are going really well for the track and people are always keen to get here.

“These sorts of events are run at other racetracks but they don’t get anywhere near the response that we do here and that’s because it’s Mount Panorama.

“It has a great feel to the event. There’s lots of camaraderie, everyone competes in good spirits and everyone’s here to have a great time.”

Circuit closure is at 8am on Thursday. Familiarisation sessions start from 8.20am.

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