Bathurst 1000 facts for kids
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| Race Information | |
| Venue | Mount Panorama Circuit |
| Number of times held | 66 |
| First held | 1960 |
| Race Format | |
| Race 1 | |
| Laps | 161 |
| Distance | 1,000 km |
| Last Event (2023) | |
| Overall Winner | |
 Shane van Gisbergen Richie Stanaway |
Triple Eight Race Engineering |
| Race Winners | |
| Shane van Gisbergen Richie Stanaway |
Triple Eight Race Engineering |
The Bathurst 1000 is a famous 1,000-kilometre (about 620-mile) car race held every year in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. It takes place on the challenging Mount Panorama Circuit. This race is a big part of the Supercars Championship, which is Australia's top touring car series. Many people call it The Great Race because it's so important in motorsport. The race started in 1960 as the Armstrong 500 at a different track, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit. It moved to Bathurst in 1963 and became a 1,000-kilometre race in 1973. It's usually held in early October.
Winners of the Bathurst 1000 receive the Peter Brock Trophy. This trophy was created in 2006 after the sudden death of Peter Brock, who was a racing legend. Brock won the race nine times, more than any other driver. Fans loved him, and he was known as the "King of the Mountain."
Contents
Mount Panorama: The Track Explained
The Mount Panorama Circuit is a special track because it uses public roads that are closed for the race. It was first used for racing in 1938. The track has a huge height difference of 174 metres (571 feet) between its highest and lowest points.
Let's take a quick tour of the track:
- Hell Corner: This is the first turn, a sharp left turn.
- Mountain Straight: Cars speed up to 255 km/h (158 mph) as they climb this gentle hill.
- Griffin's Bend: A tricky right turn that leads into The Cutting.
- The Cutting: A sharp left turn with a steep climb.
- Reid Park: A complex set of corners where drivers need to be very careful.
- Sulman Park and McPhillamy Park: These areas are higher up on the mountain.
- Skyline and The Esses: Drivers enter these fast, winding turns at 220 km/h (137 mph).
- The Dipper: One of Australia's most famous corners, known for its steep drop.
- Forrest's Elbow: A corner just before the long, fast straight.
- Conrod Straight: The fastest part of the track, where cars can hit 300 km/h (186 mph).
- The Chase: A long, sweeping chicane (a series of turns) on Conrod Straight, where cars slow down from 300 km/h to 130 km/h (186 mph to 81 mph).
- Murray's: The 23rd and final turn, and the slowest part of the circuit, before cars return to the start/finish line.
Over the years, spectator areas have grown around the track. However, some parts are private property, so fans can't access every spot. Safety changes, like debris fences, have also been added to meet international racing standards.
Race Cars and Brands
Over its history, the Bathurst 1000 has featured many different types of race cars. These include production cars, Group C Touring Cars, Group A Touring Cars, and now Supercars. Until 1995, different types of cars raced together in the same event. Since 1999, the race has been only for Supercars and counts for championship points.
Many car brands have competed and won, like Morris, Jaguar, Nissan, BMW, and Volvo. But the race is most famous for the rivalry between Ford and Holden. These two Australian brands have won almost all the races. Because of this strong rivalry, from 1995 to 2012, only Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores were allowed to race. In 2013, the rules changed, and other brands like Nissan returned. Holden has the most wins with 34, followed by Ford with 21. Nissan is the only other brand with multiple wins (2).
Race History: A Journey Through Time
Early Days at Phillip Island
The race began on November 20, 1960, at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Victoria. It was called the Armstrong 500 and covered 500 miles (about 800 km). The goal was to find the most reliable and best-performing production cars across different classes. Cars had to be standard, unmodified models. Frank Coad and John Roxburgh were the first to finish the 500 miles in a Vauxhall Cresta.
The race was held at Phillip Island two more times. In 1961, Bob Jane and Harry Firth won in a Mercedes-Benz 220 SE. In 1962, Jane and Firth won again, this time in a Ford XL Falcon. However, the Phillip Island track surface often broke apart during races, making it unsafe.
Moving to Bathurst
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In 1963, the Armstrong 500 moved to the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst. The race quickly became very popular. Car manufacturers used it to show off their cars, as the race cars had to be almost identical to those sold in showrooms. In the early years at Bathurst, smaller, agile cars like the Ford Cortina and Mini Cooper often won. Bob Jane and Harry Firth won again in 1963 in a Cortina GT.
In 1967, rules changed to require a minimum number of pit stops. This helped larger, more powerful cars like the V8 Fords. The Ford XR Falcon GT won in 1967, proving that "there is no substitute for cubic inches" (meaning bigger engines were better). This win started the famous rivalry between Ford and Holden. This rivalry led to the creation of powerful "Bathurst Specials" like the Falcon GT-HO and the Holden Monaro and Torana.
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In 1968, the race became the Hardie-Ferodo 500. Holden got its first Bathurst win with the Monaro GTS 327. In 1969, the Ford Falcon GT-HO and the Holden Monaro GTS 350 battled it out. Colin Bond and Tony Roberts won for Holden. This race also marked the debut of Peter Brock.
In 1970, Holden switched to the smaller, six-cylinder Torana GTR XU-1. But Ford's powerful GT-HO Phase Two, driven by Allan Moffat, won. Moffat also won in 1971 with the even faster XY-model Falcon GT-HO Phase Three.
The 1972 race was run in wet weather. Peter Brock, in his Torana XU-1, showed amazing car control and won, despite the V8 Fords usually having a power advantage. This was Brock's first of nine Bathurst wins, earning him the nickname "King of the Mountain." It was also the last year drivers could race without a co-driver.
The Group C Era (1973-1984)
In 1973, the race distance was increased to 1,000 kilometres. New rules allowed more modifications to race cars, which helped bigger teams. Allan Moffat won again in 1973 with a Ford Falcon GT Hardtop.
Holden's V8-powered Toranas dominated the mid-1970s, with Peter Brock winning in 1975, 1978, and 1979. In 1977, Allan Moffat and Colin Bond famously finished first and second in their Fords, driving side-by-side across the finish line. Peter Brock continued his winning streak in the early 1980s, winning three times in a row from 1982 to 1984 with Larry Perkins. Dick Johnson won for Ford in 1981 after a famous incident where his car hit a rock in 1980, leading to public donations to help him rebuild.
The Group A Era (1985-1992)
From 1985 to 1992, the Bathurst 1000 followed international Group A rules. This meant more imported cars, especially turbocharged Fords and Nissans, became very strong. Holden Commodores still managed to win three times.
In 1985, Jaguar XJ-S cars dominated, with John Goss and Armin Hahne winning. In 1986, Allan Grice and Graeme Bailey won in a Holden Commodore.
In 1987, the Bathurst 1000 was part of the World Touring Car Championship. This led to some confusion with rules, but eventually, Peter Brock won his ninth and final Bathurst 1000. This was a special win as he took over a teammate's car after his own broke down.
Ford Sierra Turbo Cosworths won in 1988 and 1989. In 1990, the Holden Racing Team's Commodore, driven by Allan Grice and Win Percy, won, breaking the Sierra's winning streak.
Then came the Nissan Skyline GT-R, nicknamed 'Godzilla'. With four-wheel drive, four-wheel steer, and a powerful twin-turbo engine, it was incredibly fast. Jim Richards and Mark Skaife won easily in 1991. They won again in 1992 in a controversial race. Heavy rain caused many accidents, and the race was stopped early. Richards and Skaife were declared winners based on the last completed lap, even though their car was damaged.
New Rules and a Divided Race (1993-1998)
In 1993, new Australian rules (Group 3A) were introduced, focusing on V8-powered Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores. Nissan left Australian motorsport. Larry Perkins and Gregg Hansford won in a Holden Commodore.
In 1994, Dick Johnson and John Bowe won in a Ford Falcon. From 1995, the Bathurst 1000 became a single-class race, only for V8s. Larry Perkins and Russell Ingall won in 1995, and Craig Lowndes and Greg Murphy won in 1996.
In 1997 and 1998, there was a disagreement over TV rights, which led to two separate Bathurst 1000 races each year. One was for 2-litre Super Touring cars, and the other for V8 Supercars. Both claimed to be the "real" Bathurst 1000. In 1997, Geoff Brabham and David Brabham won the Super Touring race, while Larry Perkins and Russell Ingall won the V8 Supercar race. In 1998, Rickard Rydell and Jim Richards won the Super Touring race, and Jason Bright and Steven Richards won the V8 Supercar race. All four of these races are officially recognized as Bathurst 1000 wins.
The V8 Supercars Era (1999-Present)
From 1999 onwards, the V8 Supercars took over the Bathurst 1000 completely. The race also became a championship points round for the first time. Holden dominated the early 2000s, winning every race from 1999 to 2005. Steven Richards and Greg Murphy won in 1999. Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna won in 2000. Mark Skaife won in 2001 with Tony Longhurst and again in 2002 with Jim Richards. Greg Murphy won in 2003 and 2004 with Rick Kelly, who became the youngest winner at 20 years old.
In 2006, Ford finally won again with Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup for Triple Eight Race Engineering. They also became the first winners of the Peter Brock Trophy. Lowndes and Whincup won again in 2007 and 2008, achieving three wins in a row. Holden had four straight wins from 2009 to 2012. Lowndes won again in 2010 with Mark Skaife. In 2011, Nick Percat became the first rookie (first-time racer) to win since 1977.
In 2013, new rules allowed other car manufacturers to join, like Nissan and Mercedes-Benz. Mark Winterbottom and Steven Richards won for Ford. The 2014 race was very dramatic, with the track surface breaking up and causing a red flag. Chaz Mostert and Paul Morris won on the final lap after the leading car ran out of fuel.
In 2016, Will Davison and Jonathon Webb won in a close finish. In 2017 and 2018, David Reynolds and Luke Youlden won for Erebus Motorsport. Craig Lowndes and Steven Richards won again in 2018, giving Lowndes his seventh win.
The 2019 race was won by Scott McLaughlin and Alexandre Prémat in a Ford Mustang. The 2020 race was held later than usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander won, marking the final win for a factory-backed Holden team before the brand retired. Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander also won in 2022, and van Gisbergen won again in 2023 with Richie Stanaway.
Safety Improvements at Bathurst
Over the years, the Bathurst 1000 track has seen safety improvements because of serious incidents.
In 1986, a driver named Mike Burgmann had an accident on Conrod Straight. Because of this, a new section called "The Chase" was added to Conrod Straight in 1987. This section helps slow cars down before a fast corner, making the track safer. A plaque is now placed at "The Chase" in memory of Mike Burgmann.
In 1992, former Formula One World Champion Denny Hulme suffered a heart attack while driving and his car stopped safely. In 1994, another driver, Don Watson, died during practice after a mechanical failure. These events have always led to reviews and improvements in safety measures for drivers and the track.
The Peter Brock Trophy
The Peter Brock Trophy was created in 2006 to honor Peter Brock, who passed away just weeks before the race that year. Brock was a beloved driver and won the Bathurst 1000 a record nine times. The trophy is given to the winners of the Bathurst 1000 each year.
The 2006 race had special tributes for Brock. The first row of the starting grid was left empty, and all cars had a special '05' number sticker, which was Brock's famous car number. His past co-drivers also did a lap of honor in cars Brock had won with. The trophy is inscribed with his nickname, "King of the Mountain."
Event Sponsors Over the Years
The Bathurst 1000 has had various sponsors throughout its history:
- 1960–65: Armstrong
- 1966–67: Gallaher
- 1968–87: James Hardie Industries (including Hardie-Ferodo)
- 1988–95: Tooheys
- 1996–98: AMP
- 1997: Primus
- 1998–2000: FAI
- 2002–04: Bob Jane T-Marts
- 2005–20: Supercheap Auto
- 2021–present: Repco
Famous Winners and Records
The Bathurst 1000 has seen many incredible drivers and teams make history.
Top Drivers by Wins
- 9 Wins: Peter Brock (1972, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1987) – He's the "King of the Mountain"!
- 7 Wins: Jim Richards (1978, 1979, 1980, 1991, 1992, 1998, 2002) and Craig Lowndes (1996, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2018)
- 6 Wins: Larry Perkins (1982, 1983, 1984, 1993, 1995, 1997) and Mark Skaife (1991, 1992, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2010)
- 5 Wins: Steven Richards (1998, 1999, 2013, 2015, 2018) and Garth Tander (2000, 2009, 2011, 2020, 2022)
- 4 Wins: Bob Jane (1961, 1962, 1963, 1964), Harry Firth (1961, 1962, 1963, 1967), Allan Moffat (1970, 1971, 1973, 1977), Greg Murphy (1996, 1999, 2003, 2004), and Jamie Whincup (2006, 2007, 2008, 2012)
- 3 Wins: Dick Johnson (1981, 1989, 1994) and Shane van Gisbergen (2020, 2022, 2023)
Most Wins by Car Manufacturer
Race Records
- Fastest Race Time: 6 hours, 1 minute, 44.8637 seconds (161 laps) by Craig Lowndes and Steven Richards in a Holden ZB Commodore in 2018.
- Fastest Lap in Race: 2 minutes, 4.7602 seconds by Chaz Mostert in a Ford Mustang GT in 2019.
- Largest Winning Gap: 6 laps by Peter Brock and Jim Richards in a Holden LX Torana SS A9X Hatchback in 1979.
- Smallest Winning Gap: 0.1434 seconds by Will Davison and Jonathon Webb in a Holden VF Commodore in 2016.
Driver Records
- Youngest Winner: Rick Kelly was 20 years and 268 days old when he won in 2003.
- Oldest Winner: Jim Richards was 55 years and 41 days old when he won in 2002.
- Most Starts: Jim Richards has started the race 35 times!
- Most Podiums (Top 3 finishes): Craig Lowndes has been on the podium 14 times.
Images for kids
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A map of the Mount Panorama Circuit.
