More than 204,000 fans flock to Bathurst 1000

More than 204,000 fans attended the 66th Repco Bathurst 1000, reinforcing the Great Race’s standing as Australia’s premier motorsport event.

The attendance figure of 204,223 represents a 3% increase on the 198,203 fans who attended in 2025 and is the largest Repco Bathurst 1000 crowd since 2018.

Record camping numbers added to a vibrant atmosphere across Mount Panorama, as fans enjoyed stunning spring weather throughout race week.

Camping at Mount Panorama also reached record levels, with more than 7100 campsites utilised and in excess of 20,000 people staying across the Mountain’s famous campgrounds.

Camping allocations sold out within 90 minutes of going on sale in May, with fans travelling from as far afield as Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and the UK.

The 2026 event carried added significance as Bathurst marked 20 years since the passing of nine-time winner Peter Brock, with tributes spanning the city and the event precinct. These included Brocky’s Helmet, a giant domed structure in the heart of the Bathurst CBD, and Peter’s Pit Lane at Mount Panorama, featuring a line-up of Brock’s original race cars.

Together, the tributes gave fans multiple ways to celebrate Brock’s legacy across race week, with more than 10,000 people visiting Brocky’s Helmet in the heart of Bathurst and thousands more able to experience Peter’s Pit Lane.

Supercars Executive Chairman and acting CEO Barclay Nettlefold said the event's continued growth reflected the unique place Bathurst holds in Australian sport.

"The Repco Bathurst 1000 continues to capture the imagination of Australian sports fans and once again demonstrates that this is the motor race that stops the nation," Nettlefold said.

“To welcome 204,223 fans through the gates this week is a testament to the passion of our fans, the commitment of our teams and drivers, and the incredible support we receive from our partners, volunteers and the Bathurst community.

“The atmosphere across Mount Panorama all week was extraordinary, from the record number of people camping on the Mountain to the wonderful tributes celebrating Peter Brock and his remarkable legacy.

"Bathurst creates moments that become part of Australian motorsport folklore, and the 2026 event was another outstanding chapter in the history of this event.

"On behalf of everyone at Supercars, thank you to every fan who made the journey to Mount Panorama and helped make this year's Repco Bathurst 1000 so memorable.”

Bathurst Mayor Cr Ben Fry paid tribute to the tens of thousands of motorsport fans who once again made the pilgrimage to Mount Panorama for the Repco Bathurst 1000.

“Bathurst is the spiritual home of Australian motorsport, and every October the fans remind us exactly why," Fry said.

“From the campgrounds on the Mountain to the packed streets of our CBD, the atmosphere across Bathurst has been extraordinary. It’s the passion and loyalty of these fans, many of whom return year after year and generation after generation, that make the Great Race what it is.

“Council is enormously proud to be the custodian of Mount Panorama, but a circuit alone doesn’t create one of the world’s great sporting events. That takes the commitment of our partners at Supercars, the dedication of the teams and volunteers, and above all, the fans who bring the Mountain to life.

“To every fan who made the journey to Bathurst this year, thank you. You are as much a part of the legend of Mount Panorama as the racing itself.”

The Repco Bathurst 1000 is supported proudly by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.

The Repco Supercars Championship will now head to the streets of the Gold Coast for the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 from October 23-25, kicking off the 2026 Repco Supercars Finals Series.