BATHURST Regional Council has admitted it was aware of the crumbling track surface at corner two on Mount Panorama two days before the Great Race.
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Drivers struggled to retain control of their cars at Griffins Bend during the early stages of the race on Sunday, before the event was red-flagged for more than an hour.
Every V8 Supercar sat on Pit Straight for 63 minutes while urgent repairs were made by council and event officials.
But council’s director of engineering Doug Patterson yesterday said they were aware of problems at corner two as early as Friday.
“During Friday there was some minor ravelling, it’s when the fine surface on the top was separating, and we maintained it and carried out repairs,” he said.
“We considered that the surface was going to be OK, and we had material on standby just in case.”
Sunday’s track surface failure was not the first time the circuit has had to be repaired since it was resurfaced in December last year.
“We did a few patches a few months ago to repair various irregularities, and the patch on turn two failed,” Mr Patterson said.
“We are now in liaison with the contractor who did the work and it will be repaired in October or November.”
Bathurst mayor Gary Rush said while the situation was far from “ideal”, V8 Supercars had complimented council on the timely repair of the track.
“The V8 Supercars were complimentary to us and many other commentators have praised us,” he said.
“The majority of that delay was so it could set.”
Cr Rush also pointed out the fastest lap of the day was set after repairs had been conducted to corner two.
“None of it was ideal ... but people have no need not to maintain the pride they have in this event.”
Western Advocate readers were scathing in their criticism of council, many taking to the Advocate’s Facebook page to vent their anger.
“Supposedly they knew about it on Thursday, but hoped it would last. Was it worth the risk? Not for the fans,” Carolyn Cramer posted.
“Let’s hope our drivers and fans come back, no excuses just not acceptable,” Donna Fisk said.
Scott Thomas said the Bathurst 1000 is an international spectacle and the track’s failure was not up to standard. “It has added to the drama of the race, but not how it should. Just not good enough BRC,” he posted.
“If the main highway into Bathurst is any indication of Bathurst council’s road surface standards then this is hardly a surprise,” Alex Bland said.
