THE Bathurst 1000 event has provided a substantial boost to the National Motor Racing Museum’s annual income.
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Figures from Bathurst Regional Council show that there was an 11 per cent increase in museum visitation from the previous year, with 5458 people coming through the doors between September 30 and October 8.
Their patronage led to a total income of $102,104, from admissions and sales.
Since 2016, the number of visitors has increased by 35 per cent and led to a 14 per cent increase in income.
Leading up to the Bathurst 1000, both Supercars and council expected a huge crowd at Mount Panorama.
This was not only because the race itself is hugely popular, but because 2018 has been a huge year for motor sport.
Earlier in the year, veteran racer Craig Lowndes announced he would retire from full-time driving at the end of the 2018 season, making his Bathurst drive particularly special.
He won the race with co-driver Steven Richards.
This year also marked the 50th anniversary of Holden’s first win at Mount Panorama, while it was also the last appearance of the Ford Falcon at the Bathurst 1000, with the car being replaced by the Ford Mustang from the 2019 Supercars season.
In his report of activity at the museum, council’s director of Cultural and Community Services, Alan Cattermole, said there was a focus on these milestones.
“For the 2018 event, a special exhibition focusing on the 50th anniversary of Holden’s first Bathurst win in 1968 was assembled, and this project was intended to complement the Supercars ‘Falcon Farewell’ display in the paddock area,” he said.
“Significant promotion of the Holden exhibition through various social media channels was complemented by specialist media coverage, with great response to the exhibition content.”
The Holden exhibition will remain at the museum until December for anyone who would like to see it.
In addition to the major exhibitions, the motor racing museum also kept race fans engaged with car displays on Super Wednesday, a Mini Cooper displayed at Bathurst Library, media appearances, and participation in the parade lap and Bob Jane Tribute.