Vintage racers assemble at Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000
The vibrant colour and rich culture of Mount Panorama will be showcased at this year's Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 with an unprecedented exhibition of historically-significant race cars and bikes.
A number of the Mount Panorama's iconic cars and motorbikes will be assembled for the first time at the 54th Bathurst 1000, representing every era in the Mountain's magnificent motorsport history.
The display is part of Bathurst's Bicentennial Celebrations which culminate with the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 including the black tie Bicentenary Gala Ball on the eve of the race weekend.
V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton and NSW Premier Mike Baird made the announcement, alongside Bathurst Mayor Cr Gary Rush, in Sydney today that some of the greatest ever race cars will be brought to the mountain.
The Mount Panorama circuit was opened in 1938 and has hosted a wide range of car and bike racing in addition to the touring car classic for which it's mostly known.
Bathurst Mayor Cr Gary Rush welcomed the incredible line-up of machines that illustrate the diversity that Australia's most famous racing circuit has seen across eight decades.
"It is fitting in Bathurst's bicentenary year that another aspect of the city's history, that of the Mount Panorama racing precinct is put on show. In a touch of irony, one of the feature cars in the exhibition is one that was driven by another Garry Rush."
The line-up of famous racers is valued well in excess of $10 million, with many cars having been restored to their original states and making their first public appearances in decades.
A special display hall will house the 30 or more machines in Harris Park at the event allowing access for all of the expected 190,000 attendees on the race weekend.
Among the cars on show will be a genuine 1971 Bathurst 500 Falcon GT-HO Phase III, driven by speedway legend Garry Rush in the 1971 Great Race.
As the fastest four-door production car on the road at that time, the GT-HO Phase III is a revered part of Australian motor racing history, and holds a special place in Rush's heart.
"My memories of that Falcon are as if it just happened yesterday," said Rush.
"It was a very fast car and here it is 44 years later and it's still the most famous Ford ever built in Australia. Bringing all of the amazing cars to Bathurst is just incredible.
"It brings back so many great memories for so many people."
The Holden Commodore Mark Skaife and Todd Kelly drove to Bathurst triumph in 2005 will also be among the line-up, making its return to the mountain 10 years on from its day of glory.
Niel Allen's McLaren M10-B Formula 5000 open wheeler will also be showcased, having set a blistering lap record in 1970 on the original circuit - a mark that wasn't eclipsed until 2002.
Around half a dozen classic motorcycles will also form part of the exhibition which is being managed by Australian motorsport journalist and historian Aaron Noonan.
The remainder of the historic cars will be announced in the lead up to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. Tickets are available at ticketek.com.au.
