Bathurst second circuit is ‘go’.
At the recent celebrations to mark 100 years since the running of the first Australian Grand Prix for motorcycles near Bathurst in 1914, Bathurst Mayor Gary Rush announced that the long-mooted second circuit at Mount Panorama was “definitely on”. Councillor Rush, whose father Stan competed as a sidecar passenger at Bathurst Speedway, explained that his council wished to build a “world class international facility that had the ability to function 365 days per year”. He added, “Victoria currently has two international motorcycle events (Moto GP and World Superbikes) and we would love to gain at least one of those.” He cited enormous benefits not only to motorsport at all levels, but to the local community in terms of jobs, a regular influx of visitors and competitors, and a range of associated industry division that would accompany the circuit. He stopped short of putting a time frame on the project, but did say he considered it as a matter of high level importance.
The proposals to construct a second circuit at Mount Panorama go back more than thirty years, and numerous track designs have been floated in that time. Motorcycling Australia commissioned (and paid for) two designs in the past 12 years, neither of which has come to fruition. From recent information, it would appear that the new circuit, which recently received a $5 million federal government grant, would have multiple layouts, similar to Sydney Motor Sport Park’s recent modifications. This would allow various tracks from 2 kilometre to 4 kilometres to be built within the precinct. Importantly, this would give a range of hiring options to allow clubs and other organisations to stage meetings at affordable levels.