450 Challenge Bathurst Competitors Ready to Conquer the Mountain
Published on 20 November 2024
8 Day event attracts over 1,000 drivers to Bathurst
Mount Panorama is set to roar to life once again as Challenge Bathurst returns from November 21-24 2024, welcoming 450 competitors including former Formula 1 driver Tiago Monteiro from Portugal. Celebrating its ninth year, this grassroots motorsport event continues to solidify its reputation as one of the most sought-after experiences for motorsport enthusiasts across Australia and New Zealand.
Greg Evans, Event Organiser, describes the event as a rare opportunity for motorsport competitors, performance car enthusiasts and everyday drivers to put their passion to the test on Australia’s most challenging racetrack.
“While Challenge Bathurst might not have the profile of the Bathurst 1000 or 12 Hour Race, its significance lies in its inclusivity and its mission to make the dream of driving on the Mount Panorama Racing Circuit a reality for participants.
“Our tagline ‘Conquer the Mountain’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s a call to action for anyone who has ever imagined the thrill of navigating this world-famous circuit” Evans said.
The event relies on the collaboration of over 200 dedicated officials and the support of Motorsport Australia and Bathurst Regional Council.
“Being the final of three Bathurst events in six weeks, we are immensely grateful for the loyalty of so many officials. And when it comes to driving excitement, there’s nothing like Bathurst,” Evans concluded.
Driving Growth in Motorsport Participation
Sunil Vohra, CEO of Motorsport Australia and a former Challenge Bathurst competitor, emphasised the event’s critical role in fostering motorsport participation at the grassroots level.
“Events like Challenge Bathurst are vital to growing the sport and achieving our strategic goals of increasing accessibility and inclusivity.
“As a lifelong motorsport enthusiast, I’ve seen firsthand how events like these inspire new drivers to test their skills and explore their potential. It starts with a love for performance cars and grows into a desire to test yourself in a competitive environment. Challenge Bathurst offers that stepping stone” Vohra stated.
Supersprint and Regularity Events Highlight a Thrilling Four-Day Schedule
The heart of Challenge Bathurst is its four-day Supersprint and Regularity competition, showcasing 450 high-performance vehicles across nine groups.
• November 21-22: Supersprint participants kick off the event with 150 competitors aiming to achieve their fastest lap times in seven 15–25-minute sessions. 50 first-time Regularity competitors will also take to the track, cutting their initial laps on the mountain.
• November 23-24: The Regularity format will see 250 drivers attempting to achieve consistent lap times over six 20-minute sessions, adding a unique element of precision to the competition.
This diverse lineup ensures an electrifying experience for participants and spectators alike, blending speed, skill and strategy.
Community and Economic Benefits for Bathurst
Bathurst Regional Council remains a key supporter of Challenge Bathurst, recognising its significant contribution to the local economy and community.
Bathurst Mayor, Cr Robert Taylor, reflected on the findings of an independent study on the 2023 event, which confirmed its substantial economic impact.
“Challenge Bathurst brought 5,500 attendees to our city last year, resulting in over 8,000 overnight stays and generating $2 million in direct economic benefits. It’s not just a win for motorsport fans; it brings valuable tourism to our region and is a boost for our local businesses during challenging economic times.
“Many first-time visitors are introduced to the charm of our brilliant city through events like Challenge Bathurst, and we know they’ll come back for more.
“The fact that this event is free for spectators makes it an affordable, family-friendly way to experience some memorable racing, on Australia’s most iconic track” Mayor Taylor said.
A Memorable Finale to the Eight-day Celebration
This year, the popular post-event days tally up to an impressive 8-day total of 937 drivers behind the wheel, with another 327 passengers experiencing the ride of a lifetime. The program culminates with two thrilling experiences:
• Fastrack V8 Race Experience (November 25-26): As a gesture of appreciation, 70 Challenge Bathurst officials will enjoy complimentary ride laps in high-performance V8 Mustangs and Holdens. This unique event featuring John Bowe, the only two-time winner of both the 1000 and the 12 Hour, gives anyone with a driver’s license the chance to live the dream of driving a V8 racecar at Bathurst.
• Driving Solutions Track Days (November 27-28): High-performance road and track car drivers will close the event with two days of track sessions, drawing another 100 drivers to Mount Panorama.
Challenge Bathurst continues to grow in stature, attracting more participants and solidifying its place as a premier event in the motorsport calendar. A tenth event in 2025 has already been confirmed for November 20-27, promising to continue building on this year’s success.
For more information, visit:
• Challenge Bathurst Event Organiser:
Greg Evans M: 0427 226 217
Nadine Armstrong M: 0438 116 551
• Bathurst Regional Council:
Genevieve Green M: 0448 685 340