A NEW start time, the very real threat of bad weather and "more clouds than spectators".
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The 2020 Bathurst 1000 is certainly going to be one for the history books.
All eyes will be on Mount Panorama this weekend as Supercars' top drivers qualify their cars on Saturday afternoon and then line up on the grid on Sunday morning for a gruelling 161-lap race.
On Friday morning, Supercars announced it was bringing the start time forward by 30 minutes to 11am Sunday morning in response to the wet-weather forecast.
The move is designed to cover off the chance of a longer than usual race, should wet weather bring additional safety cars or even red flags.
At this stage, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a 90 per cent chance of rain, most likely in the morning and afternoon on Sunday.
Up to 15 millimetres of rain could fall across the day, and this would follow on from up to 6mm on Saturday.
Mayor Bobby Bourke, an avid Ford supporter tipping a Ford one-two finish for Sunday, said the rain will make it an even more exciting race.
"The rain always adds an interesting element. It makes the drivers think again," he said.
"The Mount gets treacherous in the rain."
But even if the forecast was for bone-dry conditions, Cr Bourke thinks fans would still be in for quite a show.
"It's a different year, but the event itself will be a great race," he said.
"The drivers are really keen and they will be all guns blazing to win the last one of the year."
He is still encouraging people to enjoy the race from the comfort of home and have a barbecue if the weather permits.
Catherine Fitzsimons, president of the Bathurst Business Chamber, fully endorses his suggestion.
She said the lack of race fans in the city this week is going to have an impact on many businesses, but the ones that will feel it most are those normally frequented by the campers.
Locals can help fill the void, though, by supporting those businesses.
"I think the mayor said it very well the other day when he said 'Go have a barbecue', 'support the local butchers'," Ms Fitzsimons said.
"... By all means, local people can get out, have barbecues, have parties - keeping in mind social distancing guidelines of course. Make the most of the weekend.
"Help those businesses in town by buying things this weekend to make up for all those visitors from out of town who aren't buying things."
