Country: | Australia |
Opened: |
The Mount Panorama circuit at Bathurst is one of the most famous in Australia, and is also the most unique circuit in the country.
The 6.2 km circuit consists of public roads which are closed off when the race track is in use, and has an elevation change of 174 metres between its highest and lowest points.
Construction of the circuit commenced in 1936, and in 1938 it opened as the Mount Panorama Scenic Drive after the local mayor had secured funds for the tourist-focussed project.
The first race meeting was held only a few weeks after the circuit was finished. In the past half century the circuit has become famous for the Bathurst 1,000 touring car race, which actually originated at Phillip Island.
From 1963 the race moved to Bathurst after the Phillip Island track surface broke up, and the event has gone from strength to strength since.
Following a number of high-speed accidents towards the end of the Conrod Straight, the circuit was given its only major modification in 1987 when The Chase section was added. The circuit layout has remained unchanged since.
Note: Data valid for period between 4th Oct 1987 and 10th Nov 2024