COUNCILLORS and the business chamber have welcomed the opportunity to host the final round of the 2020 Supercars Championship, and hope to make the most of the opportunity, regardless of whether there's a crowd at the track or not.
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On Sunday, Supercars announced that the Bathurst 1000 had been pushed back one week and confirmed that it would be the final round of the championship, following a double-header at Tailem Bend in South Australia.
CEO Sean Seamer further explained the decision in a statement on Monday.
"We looked at all options beyond Bathurst as well as the best options for our Victorian teams, who will have been on the road for over 100 days by the completion of the event," he said.
"Getting those drivers, team personnel and officials home to loved ones was at the forefront of this decision.
"The October 18 date change was made to allow all teams adequate time to prepare for the biggest event of the year."
Ticketing options are still a work in progress, Mr Seamer said, with there no confirmation at this time whether the event will have spectators or be broadcast only.
Mayor Bobby Bourke said it's up to Supercars, the government and health authorities to determine if it is safe to open the event to the public.
His hope is that spectators will be allowed.
"If they're abiding by all the rules and regulations, then I want them here," Cr Bourke said.
Regardless of what the decision is around spectators, he knows that having the final round at Mount Panorama is a big coup for Bathurst and council will take full advantage of that opportunity.
"Bathurst will be promoted. Council is working very hard with Supercars to promote this event. because it will be worldwide," he said.
"Even if we have no crowd, it will go ahead with the drivers and Bathurst will be featured, just like they did in Darwin."
Cr Warren Aubin hopes that the Great Race being the final event will get more eyes on Bathurst, especially if the championship will be decided on the Mount.
While he knows a lack of or limited crowd will have a economic impact on Bathurst, he said public health had to be prioritised.
"I think we can build back an economy, whereas if you had a COVID spike go through the community, that would be devastating," Cr Aubin said.
Bathurst Business Chamber president Catherine Fitzsimons hopes to see council promote activities in the region during the race coverage, and for Supercars showcase Bathurst as it has other locations it has visited.
At its recent events in Darwin and Townsville, segments have been broadcast showing drivers partaking in tourism activities, like fishing and hiking, in those areas.
Ms Fitzsimons also urged local businesses to take notice of the date change and be ready for any visitors.
"Local businesses need to be aware of the timing of it and try to position themselves as well as possible; even if there are limited numbers of spectators or no spectators, there are still going to be people in town - the racers themselves, people that travel with them, their crews, things like that," she said.
"We've really got to make the most of the visitors we do have, even if it's a smaller number than we would have had, and show them the very, very best of the town."
