Great Race memories reborn as campsites return to Bathurst

51 years. 45 years. 35. 28. 15. 11.

Just some of the Bathurst 1000 visits - some unbroken - by returning fans and campers to the top of Mount Panorama.

Many missed out last year due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemics. Before then, perhaps only a wedding could prevent a trip to Mount Panorama.

Mudgee. Broken Hill. Sydney. Wagga Wagga. Just some of the places where campers have made the trek for this year's event.

Border restrictions have prevented many from travelling to this weekend's Repco Bathurst 1000, which doubles as the final round of the 2021 Repco Supercars Championship.

Already, the semblances of normalcy have returned, from a bustling merchandise alley, sponsor activations and the reopening of the paddock.

Most importantly, campers have been able to take to Mount Panorama for the Great Race for the first time since 2019.

The everlasting memories of visits gone by are present through campsite signs, flags and makeshift bars, all organised in campsites designed for comfort.

At the centre of it all is Mount Panorama, which aside from its home as a circuit, becomes a home for thousands of campers who continue their personal legacies with the Great Race.

One such campsite, nestled in the leafy confines of Sulman Park, has been home to a group of friends for over 50 years.

Ongoing borders restrictions ensured the group had shrunk compared to previous years.

However, those present were determined to keep alive their mates' affinity with the race.

“Best Bathurst? There are just too many. I reckon ’87," Peter from Sydney said.

Nick from Mudgee interjected: “Is that when the firework went through your tent?”

“No, it was special for two reasons; because it was Brock’s last victory, and it was my first Bathurst.

“The way he drove it in the wet… incredible.”

Every campsite is different, from flags to tent shape and design, to stoves and ovens, coolers and motorised Eskies.

The 2020 race went ahead amid the pandemic; some who were unable to reach the mountain made an event of it at home instead.

“We pretty well set all of this up at my place last year,” Nick said.

“Big screen TVs, lounges, flags. The whole lot."

Some 26 months since the 2019 Great Race, the mountain regained what it had so sorely missed amid the pandemic.

Sterling efforts by organisers and officials have ensured the 61st running of the Great Race can run with its most important commodity: the fans.

As with any pilgrimage, people returning to the mountain return in search of what they'd waited almost two years for.

Cars, teams and drivers may change, but the spirit of the Great Race lingers on through its pilgrims: “Old Pat’s had this site forever.

“Same plot, same people, every year. Usually there are 20 plots and 60 of us.

“We downsized this year because many of the Queensland-based blokes couldn’t get here.

“We’ll have a beer for them.”

The 2021 Repco Supercars Championship and Dunlop Series seasons will conclude at this weekend's Repco Bathurst 1000.

Cars will hit the track on Thursday for Practice 1 at 10:00am AEDT. Click here to view the track schedule.

Every session of the event will be broadcast live on Foxtel (Fox Sports 503) and streamed on Kayo.

The Seven Network will provide live free to air coverage of the event. Tickets for the event are on sale now.