IN just a few weeks, some of the most skilled Australian and international drivers will descend on Mount Panorama for an event that’s building to be one of the best yet.
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Held every February, the Bathurst 12 Hour race meeting is an opportunity for GT3 and GT4 cars to practice and race on the iconic circuit.
Showing just how much the event has grown, it will take place over four days this year instead of the usual three.
The event’s media manager, Richard Craill, said it was inevitable that the race meeting would be extended.
“Going to four days was a natural evolution for the race,” he said.
“There’s lots to fit in so adding another day was the next step - there’s a fourth support category on the racing program, so there’s more for people to see on-track and another 50-plus competitors in the paddock.”
The calibre of the field has also evolved over the years.
“In the first year of this race as a GT event, 2011, there were only three entries from overseas – this year its more than 15 so the growth in that area is massive,” Mr Craill said.
“That same year just over 18,000 attended over three days and last year we saw just over 41,000 come along so the fan support has grown significantly as well. It’s been a fantastic story and it’s only going to keep getting better.”
To some people, the 12 Hour is just another race event on the calendar, but if you ask councillor Warren Aubin, it is a key event driving the Bathurst economy.
He said that millions of dollars are generated for the local economy over the course of the event, with businesses such as accommodation and food providers getting a healthy boost.
“The drivers and the teams that come in from Europe actually come in the week before. They stay here a whole week,” Cr Aubin said, adding that there were camping spectators to factor in too.
Not only does the race come with economic benefits, but it helps promote Bathurst to a wider audience and only increases its reputation for motor sport.
“What Bathurst actually gets out this just in product is unbelievable because every racing magazine in the world does a feature on the 12 Hour,” Cr Aubin said.
The 12 Hour race meeting will start on January 31, with the race itself on Sunday, February 3.
Tickets to the event are available from www.bathurst12hour.com.au or people can watch the race from the comfort of home.
“There’s live and free TV in Australia on 7mate, who are great partners of the race,” Mr Craill said.
“They’ll be showing the Pirelli Top-10 shootout on Saturday and the full race on Sunday from lights to flag so fans who can’t get there won’t miss a moment.
“There’s also a live and free stream for our international audience, which continues to grow each year.”
