The story of the great race on the 60th annaversary of the bathurst 1000
Revisiting the Origins of Repco Bathurst 1000: A Legacy Built on Change and Courage
The Repco Bathurst 1000, celebrating its diamond jubilee this year, stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of motorsport evolution and the enduring spirit of racers. An event not originally conceived for the picturesque Bathurst, its actual roots lie in Phillip Island, Victoria, where Armstrong, a shock absorber manufacturer, first sponsored the race in 1960.
Three annual renditions of this 500-mile race led to significant wear and tear of the track, demanding a complete resurface. A bridge logistical hiccup became the unexpected catalyst that moved this iconic race to Bathurst. Here, in 1962, the Australian Racing Drivers’ Club had already begun dabbling with endurance events.
By 1963, Bathurst was hosting the 'Armstrong 500', a race categorized into classes based on car purchase prices. Harry Firth and Bob Jane took the first win in a Ford Cortina GT. This race, while initially perceived as just another racing event, soon commanded attention. The onset of the 70s saw the event transform into a ground for showcasing high-performance cars, enticing major manufacturers like Ford and Holden.
1973 brought a significant change - the race transitioned from 500 miles to 1000 km and adopted the ‘Group C touring cars’ rule set. This new guideline allowed cars to undergo more alterations. Following this, Bathurst's evolution mirrored that of the Australian Touring Car Championship, transitioning from Group C to the turbocharged Group A in the mid-80s, and then, in 1993, to the V8 Supercars era.
Mount Panorama, affectionately termed "the Mountain", has also evolved. Early racing days were rife with natural challenges: trees at track edges, cliff faces, and wooden barriers. But today's Mountain showcases modern safety measures without compromising on the thrill. A significant track alteration was the 1987 addition of "The Chase", introduced after the unfortunate passing of Mike Burgmann.
Safety didn’t stop at the track. Over the years, pitlane saw advancements like the introduction of a dividing wall in 1978, a chicane in 1984, and a speed limit in 1996.
While the race and the track evolved, the true essence of Bathurst has always been its drivers. Peter Brock, crowned ‘King of the Mountain’, remains unparalleled with his nine wins between 1972-1987. His passing in 2006 added a profound emotional touch to that year's race, won by Brock’s mentees, Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup.
Legends like Allan Moffat, Jim Richards, Dick Johnson, and more have crafted Bathurst's rich tapestry with moments of brilliance, grit, and sometimes, heartbreak. Their legacy includes spectacular feats like Moffat's 1-2 finish in 1977, Johnson's victory in 1981 after a devastating crash the previous year, and Murphy's unforgettable 'Lap of the Gods' in 2003.
However, Bathurst doesn’t just remember winners. Drivers like Glenn Seton, who came so close yet couldn’t clinch a victory, have also etched their tales in its history.
The allure of Bathurst remains its unpredictability. As the event gears up for its 60th anniversary, fans across the globe are reminded that, at the Mountain, the only surety is the promise of an unforgettable race.
