Bathurst 1000
| Company type | Annual motorsport event |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motorsport |
| Founded | 1960 |
| Headquarters | Bathurst , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
| Products | Touring car racing event |
The Bathurst 1000—currently branded as the Repco Bathurst 1000—is an annual touring car competition conducted at the Mount Panorama Circuit located in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. It forms a key component of the Supercars Championship, which is the modern iteration of the Australian Touring Car Championship. The event was part of the 1987 World Touring Car Championship. Often referred to as The Great Race, its origins trace back to the 1960 Armstrong 500 held at Phillip Island before moving to Bathurst in 1963. The race length was extended from 500 miles to 1,000 kilometers starting in 1973. Traditionally scheduled for the New South Wales Labour Day weekend, since 2001 it has been contested on the subsequent weekend, usually falling on the second weekend of October.
Victors are awarded the Peter Brock Trophy, established in 2006 to honor Peter Brock following his passing. Brock, celebrated as "King of the Mountain," holds a record nine wins and remains a beloved figure in the sport.
Mount Panorama
The Mount Panorama Circuit commenced operations on 16 April 1938 initially for motorcycle racing and soon after began hosting automobile events. This track incorporates public roads that are temporarily closed during races and is notable for its significant elevation changes. Prominent sections include Hell Corner, a tight left-hand turn; Mountain Straight, where vehicles reach high velocities; and The Cutting, a steep uphill left-hander. Reid Park presents a demanding sequence where drivers must execute precise apexes to avoid spins.
From there, the circuit descends through Sulman Park and McPhillamy Park toward Skyline and The Esses at approximately mid-circuit speed, followed by The Dipper, one of Australian motorsport’s most renowned corners. Forrest's Elbow leads onto Conrod Straight—the fastest portion with speeds reaching top levels. After this comes The Chase chicane, requiring intense braking from high velocity before entering Murray's Corner, the slowest turn that leads back onto the start-finish straight. The finish line is situated near Murray's Corner with a staggered start position.
While spectator facilities have grown over time, their expansion is constrained by surrounding private land. Recent enhancements focusing on safety—such as debris fencing and enlarged run-off zones—have lessened the close proximity fans once enjoyed to comply with FIA regulations.
Categories and marques
Over its history, the Bathurst 1000 has featured numerous vehicle classes including production saloon cars, Group E Series Production Touring Cars, Group C Touring Cars, Group A Touring Cars, Group 3A Touring Cars, Super Touring, and presently Supercars. Until 1995, multiple classes raced concurrently. Though originally an independent event, it has occasionally been incorporated into national competitions like the Australian Manufacturers' Championship but never integrated into the main Australian Touring Car Championship. Since 1999, it has exclusively counted as a championship points round within the Supercars division, serving as the finale in 1999, 2000, and again in 2020 (the latter impacted by COVID-19).
Numerous manufacturers such as Morris, Jaguar, Nissan, BMW, and Volvo have participated and claimed victories. Nevertheless, the event is most famously defined by the intense competition between Ford and Holden, who have collectively won all but six editions. From 1995 through 2012, regulations limited entries exclusively to Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores. In 2013, rule modifications permitted other brands like Nissan to rejoin. Holden leads with 34 wins, Ford follows with 21 victories, while Nissan holds two triumphs.
Phillip Island
Initially known as the Armstrong 500, the event made its first appearance on 20 November 1960 at Victoria’s Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit over a set distance. Organized by the Light Car Club of Australia, the race’s purpose was to highlight production saloon vehicles excelling in both durability and performance while simultaneously promoting Armstrong shock absorbers. Participation was restricted to standard sedans either built or assembled in Australia. Competitors were required to cover the initial 100 miles without refueling or driver swaps; any mechanical repairs had to be performed exclusively by the drivers using tools found within their cars. No overall winner was declared—only victors in each class. The first team to finish the full distance was Frank Coad and John Roxburgh driving a Vauxhall Cresta. The lineup featured manufacturers such as N.S.U., Simca, Peugeot, Morris, Austin, Ford, and Standard Vanguard.
The race took place two more times at Phillip Island. In 1961, Bob Jane and Harry Firth secured victory in an Australian-assembled Mercedes-Benz 220 SE, finishing more than a lap ahead of their nearest rivals. Class wins were awarded to Studebaker, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot, and Renault. The following year, 1962, saw classes organized by price brackets; Jane and Firth switched to a Ford Falcon and again finished first overall. That year’s class winners included Studebaker, Ford, Renault, and Volkswagen.
The Phillip Island circuit’s bitumen surface, composed of "cold mix," deteriorated rapidly under racing conditions, breaking apart during events and raising safety concerns.
Early years in Bathurst
In 1963, the Armstrong 500 relocated to the Mount Panorama Circuit at Bathurst in New South Wales. Promotion of the Bathurst 500 was managed by a partnership involving the Seven Network, the Australian Racing Drivers Club (ARDC), and the Bathurst Regional Council until 1998. The event gained increasing popularity as manufacturers leveraged it to demonstrate showroom-identical vehicles’ capabilities. Early competitions were dominated by small and nimble cars such as the Ford Cortina and Mini Cooper. Bob Jane and Harry Firth won in a Cortina GT in 1963; Jane repeated his victory in 1964 alongside George Reynolds.
Although the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport introduced new Group E Series Production Touring Car regulations in 1965, the Armstrong 500 continued following its own set of rules.
The 1965 race marked the inaugural "Bathurst Special" with the Cortina GT 500 winning through Bo Seton and Midge Bosworth. Notably, the Geoghegan brothers competed dressed in business suits.
Between 1966 and 1967, sponsorship from an Irish tobacco company led to renaming the event as the "Gallaher 500." The 1966 victory by Rauno Aaltonen and Bob Holden in a Mini Cooper S was the last time a four-cylinder car won outright for more than twenty years. Larger vehicles such as the Chrysler VC Valiant V8 also mounted strong challenges.
Regulatory changes in 1967 introduced mandatory minimum pit stops to counterbalance smaller cars’ fuel efficiency advantages, benefiting larger Ford and Holden models. Ford’s introduction of the 289 cubic inch V8 Ford Falcon GT signaled the decline of small cars as overall contenders. That year also saw grid positions determined by qualifying times and an official trophy awarded to the first car completing 500 miles.
The 1967 event witnessed Ford’s XR Falcon GT overcoming favored Alfa Romeo GTVs and Mini Coopers, solidifying the enduring Bathurst mantra that there is "no substitute for cubic inches." Initially declared winners were the Geoghegan brothers; however, timing errors led to correction with Harry Firth and Fred Gibson officially recognized as victors. Class victories included a Studebaker Lark and Alfa GTV.
As major Australian manufacturers increased their involvement, the race’s prominence soared. Success on Bathurst’s challenging circuit bolstered brand reputations for performance and durability. This period gave rise to the fierce Holden–Ford–Chrysler rivalry that produced legendary muscle cars known as "Bathurst Specials," including Ford’s Falcon GT-HO, Holden’s Monaro and Torana, along with Chrysler’s Pacer and Charger.
In 1968, sponsorship transitioned to Hardie-Ferodo, permitting advertising on vehicles for the first time. In response to Ford’s prior triumphs, Holden entered the Monaro GTS 327 equipped with a Chevrolet V8 engine, achieving Holden’s maiden Bathurst victory.
The 1969 Hardie-Ferodo 500 featured Ford's Falcon GT-HO Phase One powered by a robust 351 cubic inch V8. Holden countered with an upgraded GTS 350 Monaro boasting improved handling and a larger Chevrolet V8 engine, securing their second win. An early multi-car accident disrupted Ford's campaign alongside tyre failures that prompted a post-race Ford advertisement acknowledging issues.
Peter Brock made his debut in 1969 driving for the semi-official Holden Dealer Team (HDT), established to compete against Ford’s Special Vehicles division. Harry Firth assumed leadership of HDT after departing from Ford.
During the 1970 race, Holden shifted focus from Monaro to campaign with the smaller Torana GTR XU-1 model. The XU-1 provided enhanced agility, fuel efficiency, and fewer pit stops compared to traditional V8 muscle cars. Nonetheless, Ford retained supremacy with its refined Phase Two GT-HO featuring an even more powerful V8; Allan Moffat claimed victory driving this car. That year also introduced rule modifications permitting solo drivers to complete full race distances and altered starting grid arrangements for improved safety.
The 1971 event resulted in another Ford win with Moffat behind the wheel of the ultimate XY-model Falcon GT-HO Phase Three—one of the fastest mass-produced four-door automobiles worldwide. Chrysler replaced Pacers with Chargers powered by an inline HEMI six-cylinder engine. Moffat dominated comfortably with Falcons occupying six of seven top positions; class wins went to Mazda, Datsun, Torana, and Falcon models.
Due to political pressure stemming from a "Supercar Scare," Holden postponed its V8 Torana launch in 1972; Ford abandoned development of its Phase Four GT-HO; Chrysler withdrew plans for V8 Charger competition. The first wet-weather Bathurst saw Brock’s six-cylinder XU-1 outperform Moffat’s V8 Falcon under difficult conditions—marking Brock’s initial win and challenging the "no substitute for cubic inches" ideology. This victory established Brock as "King of the Mountain" and positioned Torana as a dominant touring car amid Ford's and Chrysler's withdrawal from racing.
1972 was also notable as the final year allowing solo drivers without co-drivers.
This race contributed points toward the 1972 Australian Manufacturers' Championship, which was open exclusively to Group E Series Production Touring Cars.
Group C Era
In 1973, the race distance was extended from 500 miles to 1000 kilometres, aligning with Australia's adoption of the metric system and addressing safety issues by easing homologation restrictions. The introduction of Group C Touring Car regulations replaced the former Group E Series Production rules, permitting modifications to seats, lubrication systems, camshafts, carburettors, suspension setups, brakes, and wheel dimensions. These adjustments primarily benefited manufacturer-supported teams due to their superior access to enhanced parts and testing capabilities.
Holden competed with upgraded XU-1 models, while private entrants fielded improved Chargers. Ford launched the XA Falcon GT hardtop, incorporating elements from the unreleased Phase Four project, including a robust four-bolt 351 V8 engine. During the 1973 Hardie-Ferodo 1000, Ford led in the early stages; however, a fuel miscalculation forced Brock’s Torana XU-1 to halt on track. Despite a determined pursuit, Moffat’s Falcon GT claimed victory, marking Ford's third triumph in four years. Chrysler withdrew from Group C following the 1973 season. Class victories were secured by the Datsun 1200, Alfa GTV, Mazda RX2, and Falcon GT. Ford Australia concluded its racing involvement by distributing Falcon GT race cars to drivers.
By 1974, the Torana GTR XU-1 was succeeded by the broader SL/R 5000 model. Holden entered thirteen SL/R 5000s alongside several XU-1s; Ford fielded three Falcon Hardtops including Moffat’s Brut 33 XB Falcon GT. The V8-powered Toranas dominated early in the Bathurst 1000 but faced setbacks due to mechanical failures and rain conditions. Ultimately, Bartlett emerged victorious driving an SL/R 5000, with class wins awarded to Morris Cooper S, Alfa GTV, and Mazda RX3.
Holden’s V8 Toranas secured Bathurst victories in 1975, 1976, 1978, and 1979 with L34 and A9X variants. Ford’s XC Falcon achieved a famous one-two finish in 1977 with Moffat and Bond completing a celebrated formation finish—marking Moffat’s final Bathurst win. Throughout the 1980s, Group C regulations persisted with Holden and Ford dominating despite competition from imports like the Mazda RX-7 and turbocharged Nissan Bluebird. Peter Brock cemented his legacy by achieving two Bathurst hat-tricks driving Marlboro-backed HDT cars: victories from 1978–1980 (Torana A9X and VC Commodore) and again from 1982–1984 (VH and VK Commodores) alongside co-drivers Jim Richards and Larry Perkins. Ford's only Group C win in the decade was Dick Johnson’s 1981 triumph in an XD Falcon following a public fundraising campaign that raised AU$144,000 including support from Ford Australia. Group C regulations were phased out beginning in 1984 in favor of International Group A Touring Car rules.
Group A Era
Between 1985 and 1992, the Bathurst 1000 adhered to international Group A standards. Turbocharged imported vehicles—initially Ford Sierra RS Cosworths followed by Nissan Skyline GT-Rs—dominated the event while Holden Commodores managed to secure three competitive wins. The JPS Team BMW competed strongly with their 635 CSi and M3 variants. Group A regulations enabled Australian teams to develop vehicles for global competition; prominent drivers such as Allan Grice, Peter Brock, John Harvey, Allan Moffat, Dick Johnson, and John Bowe raced Australian-built cars internationally. Tom Walkinshaw briefly campaigned Holden VL Commodores in Europe.
Holden teams concentrated on refining their 308 cubic inch V8-powered Commodores under HDT and subsequently the Holden Racing Team (HRT). With limited backing from Ford Australia, no competitive Group A Ford Falcons emerged locally. Dick Johnson Racing transitioned to a 1983 Zakspeed-developed Ford Mustang GT previously raced in Europe by Klaus Ludwig. Although nimble, this Mustang lacked sufficient top-end power. Subsequently, Ford squads adopted more potent but less reliable Ford Sierra Turbo Cosworths campaigned by Allan Moffat Racing, Dick Johnson Racing, and Peter Brock’s team.
The inaugural Group A Bathurst race in 1985 was dominated by Tom Walkinshaw Racing’s trio of Jaguar XJ-S cars powered by V12 engines that held a distinct power advantage over developing Australian teams. John Goss and Armin Hahne secured Jaguar’s only Bathurst victory. In 1986, Allan Grice alongside Graeme Bailey claimed victory driving a Holden VK Commodore SS Group A after Grice gained experience competing in Europe with Peter Brock and Allan Moffat.
The same year witnessed Bathurst’s first fatal incident when Mike Burgmann perished in a high-speed crash involving a VK Commodore. This tragedy led to circuit modifications before the 1987 event including the addition of "The Chase" chicane aimed at reducing speeds along Conrod Straight and increasing lap times by approximately four to five seconds.
In 1987 Bathurst became part of the brief World Touring Car Championship series featuring European teams competing against Australian entrants. Regulatory conflicts between CAMS and FISA caused controversy; notably Eggenberger Motorsport’s Ford Sierras finished first and second but were subsequently disqualified for bodywork violations. The victory was awarded to Peter Brock who drove two Holden VL Commodores during the race—his ninth and final Bathurst triumph.
Following years saw local Sierra teams dominate: Tony Longhurst and Tomas Mezera won in a Frank Gardner-prepared RS500 in 1988; Dick Johnson and John Bowe prevailed over Allan Moffat Racing’s German pairing Klaus Niedzwiedz and Frank Biela in 1989.
In 1990 despite strong performances from Sierras, reliability issues allowed HRT's Allan Grice and Win Percy to win driving a Commodore—ending three years of Sierra dominance for Holden.
Nissan entered as a formidable force with its R32 Skyline GT-R debuting under Gibson Motorsport in 1990 featuring advanced technologies such as four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and twin turbochargers generating approximately 640 bhp. Despite initial reliability concerns it quickly dominated Group A globally. Jim Richards and Mark Skaife won Bathurst in 1991; Skaife set a pole position record significantly quicker than previous benchmarks on the shortened circuit layout.
The Skyline repeated its success controversially in 1992. To equalize competition Nissan was assigned weight penalties (140 kg) and turbo pop-off valves limiting power reportedly to about 450 bhp; however team manager Fred Gibson later revealed their cars produced near 600 bhp by circumventing these restrictions.
The outcome sparked controversy as many fans perceived Bathurst primarily as a Holden-Ford rivalry; Nissan's technological edge was widely viewed as unfair. Heavy rain late in the race caused multiple incidents leading officials to red-flag the event with Jim Richards leading at the last completed lap. Although his damaged car was overtaken on track afterward, Richards and Skaife were declared winners according to regulations—a decision that drew boos from spectators. Richards responded sharply during the televised trophy presentation reflecting tensions surrounding Nissan's dominance during this era.
Group 3A and Super Touring
By the late 1980s, Group A experienced a decline on the international stage. The Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) delayed the introduction of a replacement for Group A until the conclusion of 1992, due to FISA's postponement in defining a new set of regulations. In 1993, CAMS launched Group 3A, a distinctively Australian touring car category that eventually developed into what is now known as Supercars. Participation was restricted to V8-powered Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores, with an exception in 1993 allowing certain weight-restricted, naturally aspirated Group A vehicles such as the BMW M3s fielded by LoGaMo Racing.
The rules also established a separate 2-litre division modeled on British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) guidelines, which prohibited turbocharging and four-wheel drive. This change rendered Nissan GT-R models ineligible and prompted Nissan to withdraw from Australian motorsport. In 1993, both classes competed concurrently, with Larry Perkins and Gregg Hansford securing victory at the Tooheys 1000 driving a Holden Commodore VP. The 2-litre category was claimed by John Cotter and Peter Doulman piloting a BMW M3.
During 1994, the 2-litre Super Touring championship operated independently from the Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC), although both categories raced together at Bathurst. Dick Johnson and John Bowe won the Tooheys 1000 in a Ford EB Falcon, while the highest-placed 2-litre entry finished tenth overall. By 1995, growing concerns regarding speed disparities resulted in Bathurst becoming a single-class event featuring only V8-powered Ford and Holden cars; just 32 vehicles started, marking the smallest field to date. Larry Perkins and Russell Ingall triumphed in a Holden VR Commodore, followed by Alan Jones and Allan Grice in an EF Falcon. The following year, Craig Lowndes and Greg Murphy claimed victory at Bathurst behind the wheel of a VR Commodore.
A race divided
In 1996, the Touring Car Entrants Group of Australia (TEGA) collaborated with IMG to promote the ATCC under the V8 Supercars brand through their joint venture AVESCO. This partnership secured a television contract with Network Ten for increased broadcast coverage starting in 1997. However, this arrangement conflicted with Channel Seven’s long-established rights to televise the Bathurst 1000. Unable to reach an agreement, AVESCO withdrew V8 Supercars from the traditional Bathurst 1000 event in October 1997.
To fill this void, TOCA Australia organized a 2-litre Super Touring race featuring BTCC drivers such as Alain Menu and Rickard Rydell alongside Australian competitors. The initial winner of the 1997 race was Paul Morris and Craig Baird driving a BMW 320i; however, victory was later awarded to teammates David and Geoff Brabham following disqualification. This format continued into 1998 with additional entries from New Zealand Touring Cars and Group E production vehicles. Jim Richards achieved his sixth Bathurst win behind the wheel of a Volvo S40 for Tom Walkinshaw Racing.
Concurrently, AVESCO arranged separate five-litre V8 Supercar races at Mount Panorama in both 1997 and 1998 under the title "Australian 1000 Classic," following an agreement with Bathurst Regional Council. Larry Perkins and Russell Ingall won in 1997, while Steven Richards and Jason Bright took first place in 1998 despite extensive repairs required before their race.
Both Super Touring and V8 Supercar events asserted their legitimacy as Bathurst 1000 races: V8 Supercars highlighted their status as Australia’s premier category featuring top domestic drivers, whereas Super Touring emphasized continuity by holding their race on the traditional date under ARDC management. All four races held during 1997 and 1998 are officially recognized as authentic Bathurst 1000 competitions.
V8 Supercars period
In 1999, the Super Touring format transitioned to a 300-kilometre mixed V8 competition, won by James Brock, alongside a 500-kilometre Super Touring race claimed by Paul Morris. This event marked the final significant Super Touring race at Bathurst and was the last organized by the ARDC on the traditional Labour Day weekend. The waning popularity of Super Touring opened the door for V8 Supercars and IMG to take over the promotion and management of the Bathurst 1000 from that year onward, with the race officially counting towards championship points for the first time as the season’s concluding round.
Due to scheduling conflicts with the Sydney Olympics, the 1000-kilometre race remained in November during 2000. When the long weekend returned in 2001, the National Rugby League shifted its Grand Final to that Sunday, preventing Bathurst from reclaiming its usual date. From 2001 onwards, the event was held on the weekend following the long weekend and was positioned earlier within the championship calendar. This era saw Holden dominate, securing every Bathurst 1000 victory between 1999 and 2005. In 1999, Steven Richards and Greg Murphy delivered a win for Gibson Motorsport in a Holden VT Commodore, marking Gibson’s first success since their early '90s Nissan triumphs. The following year, Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna triumphed representing Garry Rogers Motorsport.
The 2001 race saw Mark Skaife and Tony Longhurst take victory for Holden Racing Team (HRT) in a Holden VX Commodore. Skaife repeated his success in 2002 alongside Jim Richards despite encountering cooling system problems late in the race. That year also featured a notable penalty when Greg Murphy was handed a five-minute sanction for a pit lane fuel spill violation.
Greg Murphy’s remarkable "Lap of the Gods" during the 2003 Top 10 Shootout set a new Mount Panorama record with a time of 2:06.8594. He then went on to win Bathurst with Rick Kelly in both 2003 and 2004 for K-Mart Racing (HSV Dealer Team). At just 20 years old in 2003, Rick Kelly became the youngest driver to win the event. In 2005, Todd Kelly joined Mark Skaife to secure victory for HRT.
In 2006, Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup ended an eight-year drought for Ford by winning with Triple Eight Race Engineering and were awarded the inaugural Peter Brock Trophy. They continued their dominance by winning again in both 2007 and 2008, equalling the early '80s streak set by Brock and Perkins. Holden responded strongly with four straight wins from 2009 through 2012; Garth Tander and Will Davison took victory in 2009—the first Bathurst contested using E85 fuel, which led to increased pit stops. Triple Eight and Lowndes added another win in 2010 alongside Mark Skaife. In 2011, rookie Nick Percat partnered with Tander to claim victory, becoming the first rookie winner since 1977.
Just before new technical regulations were introduced in 2013, Jamie Whincup and Paul Dumbrell narrowly defeated David Reynolds and Dean Canto by only 0.31 seconds. The previous year had seen an even closer finish of just 0.29 seconds between Tander/Percat and Lowndes/Skaife.
The New Generation V8 Supercar regulations debuted in the 2013 season, permitting manufacturers beyond Ford and Holden to compete at Bathurst for the first time since 1998. Nissan returned with four Altimas fielded by Kelly Racing; Mercedes-Benz re-entered through Erebus Motorsport with three E63 AMGs. That year, Bathurst became part of the newly established Pirtek Enduro Cup alongside endurance races at Sandown and Gold Coast. The tightly contested race saw Ford drivers Mark Winterbottom and Steven Richards narrowly miss out to Triple Eight’s Whincup and Dumbrell, while Ford achieved its first Bathurst victory since 2008—the first factory-supported Ford win since 1977.
Volvo made its comeback to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in 2014 with Garry Rogers Motorsport entering two S60 vehicles. A track resurfacing between the 2013 and 2014 events reduced lap times but resulted in surface degradation during racing, causing multiple incidents that brought out safety cars repeatedly. With around 100 laps remaining, officials issued only the third red flag in race history to repair damaged sections of track. Controversy emerged as teams exploited rules allowing repairs during this stoppage. Racing resumed initially under safety car conditions before returning to full speed. Ford Performance Racing’s Chaz Mostert and Paul Morris secured victory on the final lap after leaders Whincup and Dumbrell ran critically low on fuel; notably, Mostert and Morris had started from last place due to qualifying exclusion.
In qualifying for the 2015 race, Mostert endured a serious crash resulting in fractures that prevented him from competing that weekend; several marshals were also injured during this incident. Taking advantage of shifting weather conditions including mid-race rain, Craig Lowndes and Steven Richards claimed their sixth and fourth Bathurst victories respectively. Lowndes also set a record by achieving his thirteenth podium finish at Bathurst, an all-time high.
Supercars Championship period
The 2016 event, the inaugural race under the Supercars Championship banner, featured 91 uninterrupted green-flag laps before concluding with several safety car interventions. A late-race collision involving Garth Tander and Scott McLaughlin ended Tander’s participation and coincided with Triple Eight's Jamie Whincup attempting to recover from contact with McLaughlin. Whincup was handed a fifteen-second penalty; although he crossed the finish line first, he was officially placed 11th.[1] This decision elevated the Tekno Autosports duo of Will Davison and Jonathon Webb to victory by a margin just exceeding one-tenth of a second over Triple Eight’s Shane van Gisbergen and Alexandre Prémat.[1] Triple Eight contested the penalty’s validity through an appeal, but the Supercars National Court of Appeal rejected it nine days later.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
In the 2017 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, wet weather conditions saw independent team Erebus Motorsport claim victory with drivers David Reynolds and Luke Youlden.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Alongside Tekno, Erebus became one of the only teams to have won both the Bathurst 12 Hour and Bathurst 1000 events.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Reynolds and Youlden maintained strong performances into 2018, securing pole position and leading most of the race until Reynolds experienced leg cramps near the end, allowing Craig Lowndes and Steven Richards to take the win—marking Lowndes' seventh Bathurst triumph and Richards' fifth.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
The 2019 edition was notable for having just one safety car deployment during the initial 101 laps, followed by seven in the last 60 laps, culminating in a final lap sprint. Scott McLaughlin and Alexandre Prémat delivered victory for Dick Johnson Racing (DJR) Team Penske—representing Ford Mustang’s first Bathurst win, DJR’s first since Team Penske’s involvement from 2014, and DJR’s initial success since 1994.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name However, following the race, teammate Fabian Coulthard was penalized for team radio communications that slowed competitors during a safety car period. This resulted in Coulthard being demoted to last place, DJR losing 300 Teams' Championship points, and receiving an AU$250,000 fine (with $100,000 suspended). McLaughlin’s win remained unaffected as no direct advantage was proven.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad nameCite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Furthermore, an engine regulation violation found after qualifying led to McLaughlin forfeiting his pole position and lap record for the 2019 Sandown 500.[2]
Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 race was postponed by one week and restricted to a daily attendance of 4,000 spectators.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name This event marked Holden’s final factory-supported appearance before its retirement, with Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander taking victory—Tander's fourth Bathurst win.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name For the first time since 2000, Bathurst served as the championship finale; however, Scott McLaughlin had already clinched the title at the preceding round.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Renowned victors
The driver with the most triumphs at Bathurst is Peter Brock, who secured nine wins (1972, 1975, 1978–80, 1982–84, 1987), earning him the moniker King of the Mountain. This reputation inspired cultural nods such as Midnight Oil's track "King of the Mountain."
Bob Jane achieved four consecutive victories between 1961 and 1964. His racing accomplishments facilitated his automotive business ventures, including founding the national tyre retail chain Bob Jane T-Marts, which sponsored the race from 2002 through 2004. Jane won three times alongside Harry Firth, who also claimed victory in 1967 and managed the victorious Holden Dealer Team in both 1969 and 1972.
New Zealand's Jim Richards holds seven wins (1978–80, 1991–92, 1998, 2002) along with the record for most race starts at thirty-five. His son Steven Richards has five wins (1998, 1999, 2013, 2015, 2018). Other prominent New Zealand winners include Greg Murphy, who won four times, and Shane van Gisbergen, a three-time champion in 2020, 2022, and 2023.
Craig Lowndes, a protégé of Brock’s legacy, boasts seven victories across Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores (1996, 2006–08, 2010, 2015, 2018), holding a record fourteen podium finishes at Bathurst.
Larry Perkins ranks fourth with six wins (1982–84, 1993, 1995, 1997), including three alongside Brock during their time with the Holden Dealer Team.
Mark Skaife also amassed six victories: twice driving a Nissan Skyline GT-R (1991–92) and four times piloting a Holden Commodore (2001, 2002, 2005, 2010).
Garth Tander has claimed five wins exclusively behind the wheel of Holdens.
Jamie Whincup, who holds the record for most ATCC/Supercars championship titles, has four Bathurst wins—three shared with Lowndes and one in 2012 with Paul Dumbrell.
Canadian-born Allan Moffat stands as Ford’s top Bathurst competitor with four victories (1970, 1971, 1973, 1977). The memorable finish of the iconic 1977 race saw Moffat and teammate Colin Bond cross together after dominating early stages.
Dick Johnson became widely known during the dramatic 1980 race when his Ford Falcon struck a rock on track. Public contributions exceeding A$70,000 combined with matching funds from Ford Australia enabled him to rebuild his car and subsequently win in 1981. He added two further victories in 1989 and 1994.
List of Champions
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Notes:
- The official recognition of outright race winners commenced in the year 1965; prior results were based on class standings.
- Certain editions of the race were either shortened or saw post-event disqualifications that influenced the final official outcomes.
- Over time, the event underwent various sponsorship changes and vehicle classifications, underscoring its commercial importance and competitive evolution.
By driver
By entrant
| Victories | Team |
|---|---|
| 10 | "Triple Eight Race Engineering" |
| 9 | "Holden Dealer Team" |
| 8 | "Walkinshaw Andretti United" |
| 7 | "Ford Works Team" |
| 4 | "Dick Johnson Racing" |
| 3 | "Perkins Engineering" |
| "Gibson Motorsport" | |
| 2 | "HSV Dealer Team#K-Mart Racing Team" |
| "Ford Performance Racing" | |
| "Erebus Motorsport" |
By manufacturer
By driver
By manufacturer
Most race entries
| Rank | Driver | Race entries | Active years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Template:Country data NZLTemplate:Namespace detect showall Jim Richards | 35 | 1974–2006 |
| 2 | Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Peter Brock | 32 | 1969–2004 |
| 3 | Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Craig Lowndes | 31 | 1994–2024 |
Top podium finishes
| Rank | Driver | Podium finishes | Years active |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Craig Lowndes | 14 | 1994–2018 |
| 2 | Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Peter Brock | 12 | 1969–1987 |
| Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Larry Perkins | 1977–1998 | ||
| Template:Country data NZLTemplate:Namespace detect showall Jim Richards | 1974–2002 |
Performance records
| Record category | Record detail | Driver(s) | Vehicle | Year set |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longest race duration | 5:58:03 (161 laps) |
Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Brodie Kostecki Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Todd Hazelwood |
Chevrolet Camaro | 2024 |
| Fastest lap time | 2:04.7602 | Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Chaz Mostert | Ford Mustang GT | 2019 |
| Widest winning gap | 6 laps | Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Peter Brock Template:Country data NZLTemplate:Namespace detect showall Jim Richards |
Holden LX Torana SS A9X Hatchback | 1979 |
| Narrowest winning margin | 0.1434 seconds | Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Will Davison Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Jonathon Webb |
Holden VF Commodore | 2016 |
Qualifying achievements
| Record type | Best time | Driver | Car model | Year recorded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest qualifying lap | 2:03.3736 | Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Chaz Mostert | Holden ZB Commodore | 2021 |
Individual driver milestones
| Record description | Achievement detail | Driver name | Vehicle driven | Year achieved |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youngest winner in a race | 20 years, 268 days | Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Rick Kelly | Holden VY Commodore | 2003 |
| Oldest winner in a race | 55 years, 41 days | Template:Country data NZLTemplate:Namespace detect showall Jim Richards | Holden VX Commodore | 2002 |
| Youngest competitor at race start | 17 years, 67 days | Template:Country data AUSTemplate:Namespace detect showall Cam Waters | Holden VE Commodore | 2011 |
Fatalities
Throughout the event’s history spanning over five decades, three drivers have lost their lives during the Bathurst 1000 competition.
The first fatal incident occurred in the 1986 James Hardie 1000, when Sydney-based accountant and private entrant Mike Burgmann crashed his Holden VK Commodore SS Group A into the tyre wall at approximately , located near Conrod Straight's Armor All Bridge. In response to this tragedy, the safety chicane known as "The Chase," introduced in 1987 to enhance driver safety, was named in Burgmann’s memory.
During the 1992 Tooheys 1000, former Formula One World Champion Denny Hulme suffered a fatal heart attack while piloting his BMW M3 Evolution on Conrod Straight. After colliding with the wall, Hulme’s vehicle came to a halt and he was subsequently declared deceased at Bathurst Hospital.
In the course of practice for the 1994 Tooheys 1000, privateer Don Watson died when a mechanical failure caused his Holden VP Commodore to crash at nearly entering The Chase.
Furthermore, during the weekend of the 2006 Bathurst 1000, New Zealand competitor Mark Porter lost his life in an accident occurring in a support category race. Porter was slated to participate with Brad Jones Racing in the main event.
Peter Brock Trophy
Peter Brock tragically passed away just weeks prior to the 2006 event in a crash during the Targa West rally held in Western Australia. Beginning in 2006, Supercars established the Peter Brock Trophy to honor the winner of the Bathurst 1000. The 2006 race included several tributes such as leaving the front row vacant, all competitors featuring Brock's signature car number '05', and a lap of honor involving Brock’s former co-drivers who had partnered with him in victorious races.
Crafted by Hardy Brothers, the trophy bears the inscription "King of the Mountain," reflecting Brock’s well-known moniker. It measures tall and has a weight of . Craig Lowndes, who was mentored by Brock over many years, holds the record with six victories earning this trophy.
Event sponsors
The Bathurst 1000 has been backed by various title sponsors throughout its history:
- 1960–65: Armstrong
- 1966–67: Gallaher
- 1968–87: James Hardie
- 1968–80: Hardie-Ferodo
- 1981–87: James Hardie
- 1988–95: Tooheys
- 1996–98: AMP
- 1997: Primus
- 1998–2000: FAI
- 2002–04: Bob Jane T-Marts
- 2005–20: Supercheap Auto
- 2021–present: Repco
See also
- List of Bathurst 1000 vehicles
- National Motor Racing Museum – situated next to Murray's Corner on the circuit, featuring exhibits of racing history and vehicles.
- Bathurst 12 Hour
- Bathurst 24 Hour
- Bathurst Motor Festival
- List of Australian Touring Car Championship races
External links
- Pages with reference errors
- Articles with short description
- Pages with broken file links
- Motorsport in Bathurst, New South Wales
- Touring car races
- Supercars Championship races
- Auto races in Australia
- Recurring sporting events established in 1960
- Annual sporting events in Australia
- 1960 establishments in Australia
- Endurance motor racing
- 10 Sport