Mount Panorama, located in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia, is one of the most iconic and revered motorsport venues in the world. Its combination of challenging corners, unpredictable weather conditions, and rich history has made it a haven for racing enthusiasts and drivers alike. Known best for hosting the legendary Bathurst 1000, Mount Panorama has seen a variety of motorsport events over the decades, and its evolution is as dramatic as the races held on it.
1. The Origins of Mount Panorama and Bathurst
Before Mount Panorama became synonymous with motorsport, it was a natural landscape with historical significance to the Wiradjuri people, the traditional owners of the land. The region around Bathurst, including the area that would eventually become Mount Panorama, was originally part of the traditional territory of the Wiradjuri nation. Their connection to the land is an integral part of the area’s history.
1.1. Early Exploration and European Settlement
In 1815, Bathurst became the first inland settlement in Australia, established by Major Thomas Mitchell during his expedition to chart the interior of New South Wales. Mount Panorama itself was named by Mitchell, who described it as a perfect vantage point for surveying the land.
By the 1830s, Bathurst had become a major rural hub for sheep grazing, agriculture, and mining. However, it was the growing urbanization of Australia and the subsequent development of transportation infrastructure in the 20th century that would eventually make Mount Panorama famous on the motorsport scene.
1.2. Mount Panorama’s Natural Terrain
Mount Panorama’s location and geography naturally lent itself to becoming a motorsport venue. Rising 875 meters above sea level, the mountain offers both spectacular views of the surrounding area and a challenging track layout. Its rugged terrain and mix of tight corners, long straights, and sharp elevation changes would come to define the circuit.
2. The Birth of Mount Panorama as a Motorsport Venue
Mount Panorama’s transition from a scenic lookout to a motorsport venue began in the early 1900s when automobile racing gained popularity across the world. Bathurst, with its steep terrain, became a prime location for a racing circuit that could both challenge drivers and test their vehicles.
2.1. The First Road Race at Bathurst (1906)
The first formal motor race at Bathurst was held in 1906, organized by the Bathurst Motor Club. The event was the Bathurst Hill Climb, which was conducted on a public road to the summit of Mount Panorama. This early race, held on rough and unsealed roads, was very much a test of both the drivers’ skills and the durability of the cars.
Although it was a small event by modern standards, it marked the beginning of the relationship between Bathurst and motorsport. The idea of turning Mount Panorama into a dedicated racing circuit had started to take root.
2.2. The 1930s: The Rise of Road Racing in Australia
In the years following the 1906 race, Australia saw the rise of road racing as a popular motorsport activity. Mount Panorama, with its natural features, began to be recognized as an ideal location for the expansion of competitive motorsport. During the 1930s, Bathurst became a regular host for local racing events, though the road surface was still rough and the circuit lacked many of the safety features that modern circuits would later adopt.
2.3. Mount Panorama Circuit: The First Permanent Track (1938)
The pivotal moment in Mount Panorama’s development as a motorsport venue came in 1938 when the Bathurst City Council officially approved the construction of a permanent road circuit. The track was built with the intention of hosting the Australian Grand Prix. The first event on the newly constructed Mount Panorama circuit took place in 1938, and it was a motorcycle race rather than a car event.
The track layout was modified slightly over the years, but the early configuration featured many of the sharp turns and elevation changes that remain present today. The road surface was still rudimentary, but it showcased the potential of the location as a motorsport destination.
3. Post-War Developments and the Birth of the Bathurst 1000
Following World War II, motorsport in Australia began to gain significant momentum. The introduction of more sophisticated cars and better infrastructure made it possible to hold more professional racing events, and Mount Panorama was soon at the center of this movement.
3.1. The Post-War Revival
After the war, the circuit was refurbished to meet new standards. The Australian government and local authorities worked together to improve the infrastructure of the circuit, ensuring that it could safely accommodate higher-speed vehicles. In 1949, Mount Panorama hosted the Australian Grand Prix, a prestigious event that began to cement the circuit’s status as a racing icon.
During this period, the circuit continued to host a variety of events, including motorcycle races, hill climbs, and sports car races, drawing crowds from all across the country.
3.2. The Formation of the Bathurst 1000 (1960s)
The iconic Bathurst 1000 race, which would later become the centrepiece event at Mount Panorama, traces its roots to the 1960s. In 1960, the race was officially recognized as the Hardie-Ferodo 500, named after the sponsor. The name of the race was changed to Bathurst 1000 in 1973, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the event.
The Bathurst 1000 was designed as a long-distance endurance race, in which teams of two drivers would alternate behind the wheel of a car over a 1000-kilometer course around the Mount Panorama circuit. The first Hardie-Ferodo 500 race took place in 1963 and was won by Fred Gibson and John Youl, driving a Ford Falcon. This event marked the beginning of what would become one of the most beloved and challenging races in Australian motorsport.
4. Evolution of the Mount Panorama Circuit
The development of the Mount Panorama circuit from the 1930s through to the 21st century reflects the changing nature of motorsport and technology. Over the decades, the circuit underwent numerous modifications to meet both evolving safety standards and the increasing demands of modern motorsport.
4.1. Track Changes and Updates
As cars became faster and technology improved, the circuit needed to evolve. Some of the major changes included:
- Resurfacing: The track surface was resurfaced multiple times to improve grip and safety.
- Safety Barriers: In the 1970s and 1980s, significant investments were made in installing safety barriers to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Pit Facilities: The pit area was modernized, with better facilities to accommodate the growing teams and their equipment.
- Corner Adjustments: A number of corners were slightly altered over time to increase driver safety and improve the flow of the circuit.
4.2. The Bathurst 1000 and Its Growth
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Bathurst 1000 became the most iconic event in Australian motorsport. It attracted the best drivers, including those from Australia and overseas. The event also showcased a wide array of cars, including Ford, Holden, and Nissan models, which often competed in fierce rivalry.
By the 1990s, the race had grown into a true international event, attracting global attention from motorsport fans and industry professionals alike. The event continued to evolve as technology advanced, and car manufacturers increasingly sought to showcase their engineering prowess on one of the most challenging circuits in the world.
5. Legendary Drivers and Memorable Moments at Bathurst
The Bathurst 1000, or the Mount Panorama 1000, has seen countless legendary moments, with drivers pushing their cars to the limit. Many of Australia’s most famous drivers have competed in this race, and some have claimed iconic victories.
5.1. Famous Drivers
- Peter Brock: Arguably the most famous driver in Bathurst history, Peter Brock (also known as “The King of Bathurst”) won the race nine times between 1972 and 1987. Brock’s success at Bathurst solidified his place in Australian motorsport folklore.
- Jim Richards: Another Bathurst legend, Jim Richards, is known for his success in the race and his partnership with Peter Brock in the 1980s. Richards was known for his consistency and calm under pressure.
- Mark Skaife: One of the most successful drivers in V8 Supercars history, Mark Skaife won the Bathurst 1000 multiple times and helped transform the race into the spectacle it is today.
5.2. Memorable Moments
- 1979 Bathurst 1000: In one of the most dramatic finishes, Peter Brock won the race after an intense battle with Allan Moffat. The two competitors had a fierce rivalry, and Brock’s victory was seen as a turning point in Australian motorsport history.
- 1984 Bathurst 1000: The 1984 race is remembered for the Ford-Holden rivalry, with Larry Perkins and Greg Murphy pushing their cars to the limit.
- 2006 Bathurst 1000: The 2006 race saw the emergence of a new generation of drivers and the dominance of Ford and Holden in the race. This event solidified Bathurst as a vital part of the V8 Supercar Championship.
6. Mount Panorama Today
Today, Mount Panorama continues to be one of the most challenging and revered circuits in the world. The Bathurst 1000 remains its centrepiece event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. The circuit is used not only for motorsport events but also for various activities, including driving experiences and private events.
6.1. Global Recognition
Mount Panorama has earned global recognition as a motorsport destination. It is included in the V8 Supercar Championship calendar, and the Bathurst 1000 is recognized as one of the greatest endurance races in the world.
6.2. Continuing Legacy
With its rich history and continued importance in Australian motorsport, Mount Panorama remains a symbol of Australia’s love for motorsport. It continues to inspire new generations of drivers, teams, and fans, ensuring that its legacy endures for many years to come.
Conclusion
The history of Mount Panorama is a story of innovation, competition, and tradition. From its early days as a hill climb and the development of the track to the rise of the Bathurst 1000, it has cemented itself as one of the most significant motorsport venues in the world.