Bathurst counts down to Supercars race

NSW Police and Bathurst City Council are preparing for the management of this weekend’s iconic Bathurst 1000 at the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit.

Supercars Australia’s ultimate endurance race, Repco Bathurst 1000, begins with practice laps today, with the main event starting at 10.30am on Sunday.

With more than 200,000 competitors, officials and spectators expected to descend on Mount Panorama, Operation Bathurst 2024 will ensure event and patron safety and security, NSW Police said in a statement.

General Duties police attached to Chifley Police District and across Western Region, will be assisted by specialist officers from the Operations Support Group (OSG), Dog Unit, PolAir, Licensing Police, Bicycle Unit, Youth Command (PCYC), Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS), Police Transport Command and Traffic and Highway Patrol Command throughout the operation.

Advising that NSW Police will be out in force and will not only focus on road safety and crowd behaviour but will work to minimise the impact of the event on the local community, Operation Bathurst 2024 Commander, Assistant Commissioner, Andrew Holland stated “people are encouraged to enjoy themselves responsibly, be considerate of their neighbours and the people around them, and act accordingly for what is a family event where people of all ages are present.

“We want racegoers to enjoy the weekend, be responsible for their own actions and take care of their mates.

“We’re urging all motorists to be extremely vigilant in managing their speed, fatigue and driving behaviour, especially with thousands of extra vehicles on the road coinciding with the end of NSW school holidays.

“To ensure racegoers and other motorists make it to and from their destinations safely, additional Traffic and Highway Patrol officers will be deployed, Assistant Commissioner Holland said.

“Don’t put yourself, or other road users at risk, our officers will be on alert and – if you break the road rules - will enforce them.

“The community should be aware that we will have licensing police in and around licensed venues to target alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Random drug and alcohol testing will be in place in and around Bathurst, and people are urged to take precautions to make sure they arrive safely and get home from the event in one piece.

“I again remind those making their way to Mount Panorama to drive to the conditions and show patience and courtesy to other road users.”

Bathurst Regional Council General Manager, David Sherley, welcomed teams and visitors to Bathurst for the Repco Bathurst 1000, commenting “we are looking forward to an exciting weekend of racing action on track.

“The Repco Bathurst 1000 brings thousands of visitors to our community and not only do they get to soak up the atmosphere and action of racing at this iconic circuit but we also get to showcase our region to them and all that it has to offer.

“Our off-track events in the heart of the city add to the experience that is the Bathurst 1000.

“We thank our partners, Supercars in helping bring this event to life, and NSW Police for their efforts in creating a welcoming a safe environment for all race fans, both on and off the track at the Repco Bathurst 1000.”

Supercars Chief Operating Officer, Shane Howard said as Australia’s Great Race, the Repco Bathurst 1000 was set to welcome around 200,000 passionate fans through its gates this weekend.

Howard stated “we greatly appreciate the exceptional detail and effort NSW Police has put into ‘Operation Bathurst 1000, ensuring that fan safety remains a top priority throughout the event.

“On behalf of Supercars, I’d like to personally thank the NSW Police for their unwavering support in making sure this iconic race is a safe and enjoyable experience for all who attend.”

The 2024 Repco Bathurst 1000 is being staged from 10th to 13th October 2024.

Images: Action from the 2023 Repco Bathurst 1000 (top, credit: Supercars) and the circuit's famous branding (below).