Town to Track kicks off Bathurst 12 Hour

The 2023 edition of the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour has kicked off with the annual Town to Track parade.

The initiative, which debuted in 2019, sees drivers drive from Mount Panorama to the Bathurst CBD in a convoy.

Drivers did a lap of the 6.213km circuit before heading out to Russell Street in the Bathurst CBD.

There, drivers and teams were greeted by fans and media.

The cars drove to and from the circuit under police escort and behind the Mercedes-AMG Safety Car.

Kenny Habul, the 2022 winner and Bathurst local, led the convoy of race cars.

Habul is racing with Luca Stolz and Jules Gounon, who is aiming for a third straight Bathurst 12 Hour victory.

Habul, Stolz and Gounon were handed their winners' plaques in town prior to a signing session.

There, fans turned out in their hundreds, with MotoGP star and Team WRT driver Valentino Rossi a star attraction.

“It’s amazing to be back in Australia, sitting here in the sun,” Gounon told Supercars.com.

“It’s a busy time but special to come back to the Mountain, the most beautiful place in the world.

“It’s always a special feeling driving in and seeing the ‘Mount Panorama’ sign.

“Every year here is a privilege.”

Cars will hit the track at Mount Panorama for four practice sessions on Friday.

Tickets for the 2023 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour are on sale now on Ticketek.com.

Supercars.com has put together a selection of photos from Thursday's Town to Track below.