The Bathurst 1000 is the kind of race that makes you check the clock, top up the coffee, and clear your Sunday. It’s a full day of strategy, nerves, roaring V8s, and moments that stick. If you’re in New Zealand, this guide brings you everything you need to know: what the event is, how it runs, the best ways to watch, how to plan a trip across the Tasman, and the trade-offs between the couch and the mountain.
What is
The Bathurst 1000 is a 1000-kilometre endurance race for Supercars, held every October at Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales. The track is a temporary street circuit—public roads for most of the year—winding 6.213 km over and across a mountain, with 23 named corners. It’s Australia’s biggest motorsport event and a staple for many Kiwi fans.
Two drivers share each car. Across 161 laps, teams face safety cars, changing track conditions, and the constant risk of a tiny mistake turning into a very big one. The race is often called “The Great Race,” and it’s not hyperbole. From Peter Brock’s legend (nine wins) to Greg Murphy’s famous “Lap of the Gods,” the Bathurst 1000 has built a story bigger than the timing sheets.
For New Zealanders, the connection runs deep. Jim Richards stands among the most successful drivers at Bathurst. Greg Murphy owns four wins and a folklore lap. Scott McLaughlin broke through in 2019. Shane van Gisbergen has multiple victories, and Richie Stanaway joined the winners’ list in 2023. Kiwi flags are everywhere on the mountain for good reason.
How it works
The Bathurst 1000 weekend follows a clear rhythm. By race day, small setup choices and calm pit stops matter as much as outright speed.
- Practice: Multiple sessions across Thursday to Saturday let both main drivers and co-drivers dial in the car.
- Qualifying (Friday): Sets the provisional grid and decides who reaches the Top 10 Shootout.
- Top 10 Shootout (Saturday): One flying lap each, solo on track, to lock in starting positions 1–10.
- Race (Sunday): 161 laps from a standing start, typically six to seven hours depending on safety cars.
Key rules and strategy bits to know:
- Two-driver format: Each entry uses a main driver and a co-driver. Both must complete minimum drive time, so timing of swaps is crucial.
- Pit stops: Fuel, tyres, and driver changes under pressure. Stop timing often decides track position.
- Safety cars: Common at Bathurst. They compress the field and flip strategy on its head.
- Tyres: A Dunlop control tyre for everyone; tyre life across the mountain is a balancing act.
- Weather: Bathurst can swing from warm sun to mountain rain quickly. Teams plan for both.
Track landmarks shape the race narrative. Hell Corner into Mountain Straight sets up moves at Griffins Bend. Across the top—McPhillamy Park, Skyline, The Esses, The Dipper—precision rules. Forest’s Elbow launches cars down Conrod Straight, the fastest part of the lap, before heavy braking for The Chase and the final dash to Murray’s Corner.
Types / examples
Ways to experience the Bathurst 1000
- Watch in New Zealand: Live on Sky Sport, with streaming on Sky Sport Now. Highlights often air later on free-to-air.
- Travel to Bathurst: Camp on the mountain, grab a general admission pass, or book a grandstand on Pit Straight or at The Chase.
- Hybrid approach: Go once for the bucket-list feel, then make it an annual TV tradition with mates and a barbecue.
Iconic moments and Kiwi highlights
- Greg Murphy’s “Lap of the Gods” in the 2003 Top 10 Shootout set a benchmark for bravery and precision.
- Jim Richards’ Bathurst record underscores Kiwi class over decades.
- Scott McLaughlin’s 2019 win, hard-earned across a season-long duel.
- Shane van Gisbergen’s victories, including a standout 2020 run in tough conditions, cemented his status on the mountain. In 2023, he won with fellow Kiwi Richie Stanaway.
Cars and eras
- Holden vs Ford defined the race for years; the Commodore’s farewell in 2022 closed a huge chapter.
- Gen3 arrived in 2023: Ford Mustang GT vs Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, lighter cars with less aero and more movement—great for racing.
Attend vs watch: what suits you?
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attend in person | Atmosphere, trackside sound and speed, meet-and-greet possibilities, unforgettable views across the mountain | Travel cost and time, accommodation sells out, variable weather, long days on your feet | Bucket-list fans, groups keen on camping, photographers |
| Watch in NZ | Full coverage, replays, cheaper, no queues, easy food and comfort at home | You miss the trackside feel and the hillside camaraderie | Families, casual fans, those on a budget or tight schedule |
Pros and cons
Bathurst 1000 as a race
- Pros:
- Pure endurance strategy and wheel-to-wheel action.
- Rich history and tribal energy.
- Track layout that rewards brave, tidy driving.
- Cons:
- Safety cars can erase big leads.
- Weather can disrupt plans fast.
- Small errors carry heavy penalties across the top.
Ticket types and experiences
- General admission: Cheapest, roam the hill, big views; bring a chair and good shoes.
- Grandstands: Better sightlines of pit stops and starts; reserved seats and less walking.
- Camping: The full Mount Panorama experience; book months ahead.
How to use or choose
Step-by-step: Plan a Bathurst 1000 trip from New Zealand
- Set your budget: Include flights, car hire, accommodation or camping, tickets, food, and rain gear.
- Secure tickets early: Use the official Supercars site; grandstands and camping sell out first.
- Book transport: Fly to Sydney (most choice), then drive about three hours to Bathurst. Consider sharing a rental.
- Choose accommodation: Hotels and Airbnbs disappear early. Camping on the mountain is social and close to the action.
- Plan your kit: Ear protection, hat, sunscreen, wet-weather jacket, sturdy shoes, portable seat, and a small backpack.
- Map your vantage points: Try The Esses for drama, McPhillamy for speed across the top, The Chase for big braking moves.
- Know the schedule: Arrive before Thursday practice if you want the full build-up; the Top 10 Shootout on Saturday is a must-see.
- Mind the time zone: In October, NZ is usually two hours ahead of New South Wales.
- Have a backup plan: If storms roll in, grandstands with cover and ponchos earn their keep.
- Enjoy the town: Explore local cafes, the National Motor Racing Museum, and the community vibe.
If you’re watching from NZ
- Coverage: Sky Sport shows the Bathurst 1000 live; stream on Sky Sport Now if you prefer flexibility.
- Set up: Big screen, good speakers, snacks, and a simple pit-stop plan for stretches and fresh air.
- Stay informed: Follow official Supercars timing and team socials for strategy context during safety cars.
Picking your spot around the circuit
- Hell Corner and Murray’s Corner: Starts, finishes, and late dives.
- McPhillamy Park: Sweeping speed and a festival atmosphere.
- Skyline/The Esses/The Dipper: Car control up close.
- The Chase: Drafting battles and hard braking from top speed.
FAQ
When is the Bathurst 1000?
It’s held in early to mid-October each year, across a four-day weekend. The race is on Sunday.
How long is the race?
1000 km over 161 laps. It usually runs six to seven hours, depending on safety cars.
How many drivers share a car?
Two. Teams must meet minimum drive-time rules for both drivers, so pit timing matters.
What cars race in the Bathurst 1000?
Supercars built to Gen3 regulations: Ford Mustang GT and Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. A Dunlop control tyre is used.
What’s special about Mount Panorama?
It’s a public road most of the year, with huge elevation change and blind corners. The combination of speed, gradient, and narrow walls is unique.
How do I watch in New Zealand?
Live on Sky Sport, with streaming via Sky Sport Now. Highlights often air later on free-to-air TV.
Is camping worth it?
Yes if you want the full mountain experience and don’t mind basic comforts. Book well in advance.
What weather should I expect?
Anything from warm sun to cold rain in the same day. Pack sunscreen and a rain jacket.
Can I drive Mount Panorama myself?
Yes, outside event times it’s a public road with low speed limits. It’s closed during race periods.
What are the best places to watch on track?
For action: The Esses, The Dipper, The Chase. For atmosphere and views: McPhillamy Park. For starts and pit strategy: Pit Straight grandstands.
What time does coverage start in NZ?
Broadcast times vary, but race day typically begins mid-morning New South Wales time. In October, NZ is usually two hours ahead, so plan accordingly.
Any tips for first-time attendees?
- Arrive early for good general admission spots.
- Take ear protection (kids especially).
- Stay hydrated and keep moving to different vantage points.
- Have a meeting point in case phones lose reception.
Why is the Bathurst 1000 so highly rated?
Because it blends old-school risk with modern racing brains. The track demands respect, the strategy keeps you guessing, and the history adds weight. Whether you’re trackside or on the sofa in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, the Bathurst 1000 delivers a full day that feels like a story unfolding in real time.