RENOVATIONS and cross-pollination at Mount Panorama - no it's not a new lifestyle show, but part of the Australian Racing Group's plan for the future of the Bathurst 6 Hour.
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It was revealed late last week that ARG had become an equal share holder with Bathurst Regional Council in the annual Production Car endurance event, having acquired its portion from Yeehah Events.
While ARG intends to keep the 6 Hour itself as a Production Car race, non-executive officer James Warburton said the company certainly plans on enhancing the event as a whole.
Given the 2020 event will be staged in April, Warburton said ARG is mindful "both fans and competitors don't turn up to a completely revolutionised event."
But he added it will be a "live in the house before you renovate it type approach."
Though not going into details at depth, Warburton said ARG plans to broaden the potential broadcast of the Bathurst 6 Hour and work at making the support card even more attractive to motor sport fans.
That is likely to include different categories tackling the 6.213 kilometre circuit.
"Whether they're Australian Racing Group categories or whether they're other categories in motor sport ... it's really about making sure the fan experience continues to march forward," Warburton said.
"There's potential to cross-pollinate it with other categories as well."
As former chief executive officer of Supercars, a position he held for close to four years, Warburton is well versed with the status the Mount Panorama circuit holds amongst the global motor sport fraternity.
It is part of the reason he is "absolutely delighted" ARG will now be delivering the Bathurst 6 Hour.
"I think ultimately it's one of the most iconic race tracks in the world so it doesn't matter where you are in the world, what category it is, what driver, what team, whoever it is with a doubt ... the complexity of the track itself is something that's completely and utterly iconic," he said.
"You see that in terms of ratings and how well frequented it is. What an incredible venue with camping facilities and facilities generally.
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"That is the power of building brands and showcasing what we regard as some amazing categories on the most iconic track that there is, not only in Australia as I said, but it's up there with some of the top circuits in the world."
ARG director Matt Braid echoed Warburton's thoughts.
"The Mount Panorama circuit is an icon of Australian motor sport," he said. "ARG aims to compliment this track with racing and events that provide great entertainment and profile for the region internationally."
