THERE was every chance that none of the shortlisted applicants for the fifth and final major motor sport event at Mount Panorama would be successful.
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However, after meetings on Thursday, there is zero chance that all three will be knocked back.
Councillor Warren Aubin said that two of the three applicants met with Bathurst Regional Council on Thursday night to give their final pitches, and both blew councillors away.
"They both put forward very different programs of racing and displays, which is really good because it's different to what we already have," Cr Aubin said.
"Both groups are talking about bringing out cars and drivers from overseas. One group is talking about bringing people from America, New Zealand and Europe ... which is really exciting.
"When we said that we don't have to choose an event ... trust me, there is going to be one."
He didn't reveal just which two groups met with council last week.
The process was so secretive that even the groups didn't see each other and all materials from the first presentation were put away before the second one was able to proceed.
Cr Aubin said the third group in the running for the final spot would meet with council in a couple of weeks time.
Although he couldn't reveal much, Cr Aubin did say that regardless of which event was selected, it would be one that would generate a lot of interest and benefit the economy.
"I imagine [the chosen event] would be bring a substantial amount of community interest with either of the two that were presented [on Thursday]," he said.
"It's a huge economic booster for our community. Either of the two groups that we've seen would bring a boost to the economy."
A decision will be made by councillors after the third group makes its final pitch to council.
The groups in the running for the event are Australian Racing Group/CAMS, Mountain Motorsports and Supercars, the latter of which already runs two events at the circuit.
They made it onto the shortlist after the expressions of interest from Ontic Sports, Creventic International and 24 Hours of Lemons were knocked back.
Cr Aubin has always maintained that council was after an event that would be different from the four major motor sport events already offered on the Mount Panorama circuit, being the Bathurst 12 Hour, Bathurst 6 Hour, Bathurst 1000 and Challenge Bathurst.
