DRIVE BATHURST NEWS

Drive Bathurst 2012: Statement from Trackcorp

Trackcorp — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:06:46 GMT

For five consecutive years, starting in 2007, motorsport competitors have been able to enjoy our five day DRIVE BATHURST event at the Mount Panorama Circuit.

Early last year we notified the circuit operator (Bathurst Regional Council) that we were exercising our option for a further five years. Council’s public records show they received our notification and that our event “continues to grow in popularity” and is “ideally suited in the November time slot”.

Since then we have repeatedly attempted to negotiate with Bathurst Regional Council in good faith for continued access to Mount Panorama, so that our event can continue to grow, building on the base established over the last five years.

We have formally notified Bathurst Regional Council that we are ready, willing and able to conduct a November 2012 event and that our preferred dates are 14-18 November.

Trackcorp is committed to continuing our efforts to achieve a fair and equitable outcome for our customers, our suppliers and the broader Bathurst community. We will provide details about DRIVE BATHURST 2012 as soon as Bathurst Regional Council confirms that the circuit is available.

'Trackcorp fears a fast Bathurst exit': Western Advocate

Trackcorp — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 07:28:00 GMT

This is an article from the 11 August 2011 edition of the Western Advocate, the daily newspaper for the Bathurst region.

We are reproducing it now so that our competitors, suppliers and officials may perhaps gain some background as to why we're still waiting for Bathurst Regional Council to confirm the circuit is available for DRIVE BATHURST 2012.

TRACKCORP Adrenalin is concerned their Drive Bathurst and Sprint Bathurst events, held annually at Mount Panorama, will suffer a similar fate to the Festival of Sporting Cars’ Easter meet.

Last year the organisers of the Easter festival made the decision to move their event from Mount Panorama to Eastern Creek because their relationship with Bathurst Regional Council had soured to a point where they feared they would be left without a venue.

And yesterday CEO of Trackcorp Adrenalin, David Jellins, said he was very worried his events would also be lost to Bathurst due to issues between the company and council.

Drive Bathurst is a two-day non-competitive event that gives motorsports enthusiasts the opportunity to drive around Mount Panorama under expert guidance, while Sprint Bathurst is a three-day timed event.

Mr Jellins said these events provide a boost to Bathurst’s economy because participants and volunteers patronise local motels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

He said Trackcorp is committed to continuing with the event and committing to a long-term contract because they have worked very hard to build the event over the past five years. However, he is perplexed by council’s change in attitude.

“Initially we were welcomed with open arms by council but since then we have been treated in a very unsatisfactory manner,” Mr Jellins said.

Read the rest of the article here...

New Mount Panorama Lap Record

Trackcorp — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:48:00 GMT

13 November 2011 The outright lap record at Bathurst’s Mount Panorama has been broken – and not by a V8 Supercar.

Danish Driver ‘Aussie’ Allan Simonsen, piloting a brand new Ferrari 458 Italia GT3, broke the 2:06.801 lap record – set by Craig Lowndes in 2010 – with a blistering 2:04.956.

The lap shaves 1.8 seconds off the record, meaning it will likely stand for some time.

It appears that the Ferrari made up the time through higher cornering speeds and a much increased top speed down Conrod Straight – in the region of 340km/h – compared with a V8 Supercar top speed of around 290km/h.

Simonsen was driving the Ferrari at the Sprint Bathurst event in preparation for the Bathurst 12 hour.

^{Story courtesy of the Australian Racing Drivers Club Ltd}

Allan Simonsen on his 'time' at Sprint Bathurst 2011

Trackcorp — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 09:26:00 GMT

Competitor Advice #2

Trackcorp — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 06:17:11 GMT

Issued 06.11.11: includes important information on documentation, scrutiny and arrival at the Circuit.

^{Drive Bathurst (Wed 9 to Thu 10)}^{^{Sprint Bathurst (Fri 11 to Sun 13)}}

2011 Final Supplementary Regulations

Trackcorp — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:11:00 GMT

CAMS Permit Number 811/1311/04 has been issued and the Final Supplementary Regulations are now available for download.

^{Drive Bathurst (Wed 9 to Thu 10)}^{^{Sprint Bathurst (Fri 11 to Sun 13)

^{CAMS Permit (Wed 9 to Sun 13)}}}

Information for Bathurst Residents

Trackcorp — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:19:00 GMT

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES
Bathurst Regional Council has given permission for Trackcorp to hold the DRIVE BATHURST 2011 event on roads known as the Mount Panorama Racing Circuit. DRIVE BATHURST 2011 is not a spectator event and access to the circuit is restricted to competitors, registered crew, invited guests and hot lap participants. Members of the public are most welcome to purchase hot lap rides**.

TRACK CLOSURE
The road known as the Mount Panorama Racing Circuit will be closed from approximately 4:00pm on Tuesday 8 November to midnight Sunday 13 November 2011, to control the movement of traffic.

Road closures will be in place for the duration of the Event, as follows:
• Panorama Avenue, south of Havannah Street;
• Hinton Drive at Hell Corner (access from Hinton Drive to Panorama Avenue/Havannah Street will be via CSU Paddock);
• Harris Park will remain closed;
• Barry Gurdon Drive will remain closed.

Access to resident properties will only be available when the track is opened to Residents and Visitors or by alternate access roads, but will remain closed to the General Public over the Event with Security placed at Murray’s Corner, Ray Bant Drive and Boundary Road. Resident access will be as per the Residents' information letter.

• BRC Resident Liaison Officer - phone 0437 400 044 Wed 9-Sun 13 inclusive
• Download the Resident Information Letter
• Download the Resident Access Timetable

** Go to Adrenalin to book your hot lap ride - we have a range of options available including a limited number of places with Bathurst legend Jim Richards.

Service Crew and Guest Registration

Trackcorp — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:55:00 GMT

• Service Crew Registration

^{Drive Bathurst (Wed 9 to Thu 10)}
^{Sprint Bathurst (Fri 11 to Sun 13)}

• Guest Registration

^{Drive Bathurst (Wed 9 to Thu 10)}
^{Sprint Bathurst (Fri 11 to Sun 13)}

Please note there is no general public or spectator admission to DRIVE BATHURST 2011, access to the Circuit and Event Facilities is by accreditation only.

Each competitor may register up to four service crew and four guests (e.g. family and friends) using the forms above. Registration includes refreshments and catering at the Circuit.

Forms should be lodged on or before 30 October to allow for production of accreditation and catering orders. Please note that there is no facility available for unaccredited attendance.

Don't miss your chance to drive Mount Panorama !!

Trackcorp — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:19:00 GMT

DRIVE BATHURST 2011 is your chance to drive Australia's best circuit – there really is nowhere else that compares to Mount Panorama!

As Bathurst's only authorised full circuit non-race event, our focus is on maximum track time in a low density environment. So whether you’re a track day enthusiast, an experienced club sprinter, or a seasoned racer looking to test, tune and improve your lap times, we can assist.

Entries for 2011 (our 5th consecutive year) are currently open and limited places remain. ACT NOW to secure yours!! Application forms and the draft supp regs are available for download at www.drivebathurst.com.

2011 Officials Registration is Now Open

Trackcorp — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:06:00 GMT

We’re looking for enthusiastic, motivated people to be part of the trackside team for DRIVE BATHURST 2011 - to be held at Mount Panorama from 9-13 November.

We have a variety of roles to fill, our target is 85 personnel with the greatest emphasis on flag marshals. Please note we can accept people without experience as training will be provided for those new to motorsport. 2011 is our fifth year and that makes us the longest running event currently at the Mountain, save for the 1000.

Our volunteer officials receive the following benefits:
- Breakfast, lunch and refreshments each day
- Invitation to event functions (inc dinner and drinks)
- Complimentary Event Shirt
- Complimentary Event Cap
- Poster autographed by racing legend Jim Richards
- Complimentary $50 Gift Card from adrenalin.com.au
- Accommodation for out-of-town officials

^{Download Officials Registration (Adobe fillable form)}
^{Download Officials Registration (Word fillable form)}

Why not be a part of it all? Please email officials@drivebathurst.com or phone 02 9300 4500 if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you at the Mountain !!

Easy Payment discount offer ends soon

Trackcorp — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:38:00 GMT

Have you taken advantage of our 'Easy Payment' entry offer yet?

The 'Easy Payment' entry fee includes both a 7.5% discount and the flexibility of payment by instalments. This is the last of the special pricing offers for DRIVE BATHURST 2011 and is only available until Saturday 30th April.

Places are strictly limited so act now to secure yours for 2011.

Application forms and the draft supp regs are available for download at www.drivebathurst.com. See you on the Mountain!

Early Bird entries are closing!

Trackcorp — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 05:14:00 GMT

Have your submitted your 'Early Bird' entry yet?

'Early Bird' entries for DRIVE BATHURST 2011 are closing. You have less than 36 hours to take advantage of this fantastic 12.5% discount offer that ends tomorrow Friday 15 April.

Places are strictly limited so act now to secure yours by lodging your deposit payment online at www.drivebathurst.com.

Application forms and the draft supplementary regulations are available for download at www.drivebathurst.com.

2011 is our 5th year - that makes us the longest running event currently at the Mountain (save for the 1000). Don't miss your chance to Drive Bathurst with us !!!

Drive Bathurst 2011 Entries Now Open

Trackcorp — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:56:00 GMT

Applications for Entry to DRIVE BATHURST 2011 are now open...

We have a number of entry fee options and 'Early Bird' entries are now being accepted. Our Early Bird rate offers a substantial 12.5% discount and is only available until 15 April.

We're also pleased to confirm the ongoing support of experience company Adrenalin. This delivers several benefits - most importantly for you, it assists us to hold our entry fees and there is no price increase in 2011.

Our focus continues to be on delivering maximum track time in a low density environment assisted by our team of professional instructors. Pit lane garaging and your photo CD are also included at no additional charge.

Places are strictly limited so act now to secure yours for 2011. Application forms and the draft supplementary regulations are available at www.drivebathurst.com.

2011 is our 5th year - that makes us the longest running event currently at the Mountain (save for the 1000). Don't miss your chance to Drive Bathurst with us !!

Drive Bathurst 2011 dates confirmed

Trackcorp — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:00:00 GMT

We're delighted to announce that plans are now well underway for DRIVE BATHURST 2011 with the dates confirmed as 9—13 November.

We are now in our 5th year and that officially makes us the longest running event at the Mountain (save for the 1000). Our focus is on maximum track time in a low density environment, so whether you’re a track day enthusiast, an experienced club sprinter or perhaps looking to test and tune for a race meeting, we can assist.

Don't miss your chance to Drive Bathurst with us!! Entries are scheduled to open at the end of this week so stay tuned for further news and updates.

About Us: DRIVE BATHURST is a five day event held annually at the Mt Panorama Circuit in Bathurst NSW. The Event gives experienced club competitors and motor sport enthusiasts the opportunity to receive expert instruction from well known and respected race champions and then drive on the full Mt Panorama Circuit.

The Event has two separate categories: driveBathurst is a non-competitive event and sprintBathurst is a timed competition. Eligible competitors may enter either one or both categories. 2011 is the 5th year of the Event and special guest across the five days is motor racing legend Jim Richards.

Sean Cussell wins 2010 sprintBathurst Outright

Trackcorp — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 03:20:00 GMT

The outright winner of sprintBathurst 2010 is Sean Cussell in his 2008 Ferrari 430 GT3 with a best time of 2:16.3504.

Sean is from Melbourne and this was his second time at Bathurst, having placed 3rd outright in 2009 with a 2:20.7093. More than 4 seconds improvement in the space of just a year is a terrific effort. Perhaps he'd like to make it three podiums in a row and has plans for 2011?

Weather and track conditions were variable on the final day (it's Bathurst after all) with competitors' fastest times spread across the day. Although many were achieved early morning, the more tenacious rallied to the challenge and recorded their best times in the closing sessions late afternoon.

Second place outright went to Mark Krashos from SA in his 2006 Porsche 997 Cup Car with a 2:17.1936, and third to Sean's Maranello Motorsport team mate Peter Edwards, also in a 2008 Ferrari 430 GT3 with a 2:20.0073.

Congratulations to Sean, Mark and Peter - a full list of the outright results is available here.

* The current sprint lap record is 2:13.7080 set by Mark Berry on 15.11.09.

Heritage, Herridge and more...

Trackcorp — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 09:02:00 GMT

Drive Bathurst 2010 saw a diverse and quality field take to the Mountain over November 10 and 11. Cars in action covered the full spectrum - the famous to the familiar, the every day to the exotic.

Notable entries included everything from Laurence Kalnin's immaculately maintained and presented Castrol Perkins Holden Commodore VR (winner of the 1000 in 1995), through to Dean Herridge's latest Subaru WRX STi tarmac rally weapon, fresh from competing in Victoria's high country.

More images will be available shortly from our online gallery.

DRIVE BATHURST is your chance to drive Australia's best circuit – there really is nowhere else that compares to Mt Panorama! As Bathurst's only authorised full circuit non-race event, our focus is on maximum track time in a low density environment. So whether you’re a track day enthusiast, an experienced club sprinter, or a seasoned racer looking to test, tune and improve your lap times, we can assist.

Entries for 2011 (our 5th consecutive year) are scheduled to open in early January.

Rev-head realises a dream...

Trackcorp — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 01:36:00 GMT

Jim Richards starts his Carrera Cup Porsche and it rumbles like thunder as he revs the engine. The sound is music to the ears of Kalgoorlie man, Paul Davies.

Paul is standing in Garage 10 at Mount Panorama, waiting to take the ride of his life. He is among 45 people booked in for hot laps with the seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner as part of DRIVE BATHURST 2010.

“It’s been a lifelong dream,” Paul said. “We’re finally here and the adrenaline is pumping.”

The self-professed revhead and wife Debbie drove for seven days from Western Australia to experience the iconic track. The hot lap was a 50th birthday present from Debbie and daughter Cassandra, 20.

“I wanted to give him a memorable gift, not scare him to death” Debbie said. “No, wait, that was my intention! We could have chosen from any track in Australia but Bathurst is the ultimate. It’s Bathurst or nothing.” READ MORE...

Final Supplementary Regulations

Trackcorp — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 01:44:00 GMT

CAMS Permit Number 810/1411/03

^{Drive Bathurst (Wed 10 to Thu 11)}^{^{Sprint Bathurst (Fri 12 to Sun 14)}}Please note the updated tyre regulations (clause 25), particularly as they apply to Hoosier R6’s. Based on current weather forecasts there is some possibility of showers - competitors intending to use slicks are reminded of the need to have treaded tyres available should the track be declared wet.

2010 Service Crew and Guest Forms

Trackcorp — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 01:46:00 GMT

Service Crew Registration

^{Drive Bathurst (Wed 10 to Thu 11)}
^{Sprint Bathurst (Fri 12 to Sun 14)}

Guest Registration

^{Drive Bathurst (Wed 10 to Thu 11)}
^{Sprint Bathurst (Fri 12 to Sun 14)}

Please note that there is no general public admission to DRIVE BATHURST 2010. Access to the Circuit and Event Facilities is by accreditation only. Each competitor may register up to four service crew and four guests (e.g. family and friends) using the forms above.

2010 Officials Registration is Now Open

Trackcorp — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:37:00 GMT

We’re looking for enthusiastic, motivated people to be part of the trackside team for DRIVE BATHURST 2010 - to be held at Mount Panorama from 10-14 November.

We have a variety of roles to fill, our target is 85 personnel with the greatest emphasis on flag marshals. Please note we can accept people without experience as training will be provided for those new to motorsport.

Our volunteer officials receive the following benefits:
- Breakfast, lunch and refreshments each day
- Invitation to event functions (inc dinner and drinks)
- Complimentary Event Shirt
- Complimentary Event Cap
- Poster autographed by racing legend Jim Richards
- Complimentary $50 Gift Card from adrenalin.com.au

^{Download Officials Registration (Adobe fillable form)}
^{Download Officials Registration (Word fillable form)}

Why not be a part of it all? Please email officials@drivebathurst.com or phone 02 9300 4500 if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you at the Mountain !!