Warrener honoured at Bathurst

Bathurst Regional Council and V8 Supercars have commemorated the 40-year involvement of Tony Warrener OAM at Mount Panorama by naming a building in his honour.

Warrener was the celebrated leader of the NRMA Smash Repair Team, famous for fixing badly damaged cars throughout decades of racing at Mount Panorama, particularly during the Bathurst 1000.

He is estimated to have trained thousands of apprentices through the Smash Repair Team program and was a staple in the paddock for decades prior to the program ending in 2010.

After a battle with cancer, Warrener passed away in July last year.

V8 Supercars chief operating officer Shane Howard worked with Warrener at Mount Panorama, and said he held a special place in Bathurst history.

"It¹s great to acknowledge what he¹s done for the industry, and Mount Panorama," Howard said.

"We watched his team work miracles overnight. His enthusiasm for what he did was obvious. It was a privilege to know and work with Tony."

Tony and his team were renowned for their efforts in 1983 in getting Dick Johnson's XE Falcon back on the track after he crashed at Forrest Elbow less than 24 hours before the start of the Bathurst 1000. The car was a wreck and the TAFE Repair Team had the vehicle rebuilt and back on the track in time for the start of the race the following day.

Bathurst Mayor Cr Gary Rush said Tony was passionate about crafting opportunities for young people to develop their skills for their future.

"It is a great pleasure to acknowledge his contribution to Mount Panorama and Bathurst, and forever acknowledge his place in Mount Panorama's history," Rush said.

Rush and Howard were joined by Tony's wife Dianne and members of their family for the unveiling of a plaque for the Tony Warrener Centre today at Bathurst, while the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour kicks off.