THE cars and stars of the Bathurst 12 Hour will come into the city’s CBD in a unique event this week.
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In a 12 Hour first, a selection of 12 Hour GT3 machinery will drive from the Mount Panorama circuit to Russell Street on Thursday in what is being called “Town to Track”.
During a specified break in support category activity, 10 cars – one representing each of the GT3 manufacturers competing - will be escorted by police from the circuit at 11.20am on Thursday.
Cars will complete one lap of the circuit itself before exiting the track at Murray’s Corner. Under police escort, they will drive up Panorama Avenue, turn left onto Brilliant Street and then right onto George Street.
The parade will turn right into Russell Street before parking outside the Bathurst Court House, opposite the Carillion.
Cars will be on display to the public until 12.45pm.
For the return trip, cars will drive up Russell Street, turn right onto William Street and travel via Panorama Avenue.
Bathurst 12 Hour media manager Richard Craill said a final list of participating cars will be released prior to the event, though one of each 10 competing GT3 manufacturers will participate.
Mayor Graeme Hanger said Town to Track is “an exciting new initiative that will bring the excitement of the race to the centre of the city”.
Event director Kurt Sakzewski said Town to Track would kickstart the event week in Bathurst.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase the city of Bathurst to a broad audience, and showcase the cars and stars of the Bathurst 12 Hour to the people of the city up close and personal,” he said.
“This has been a collaboration between the Bathurst Regional Council, Bathurst police and the events team and it’s an exciting addition to this year’s race week build-up.
“We appreciate the support of NSW Police and the team at council in helping to put this together.
“It’s a great chance to showcase a different aspect to Bathurst’s great motor racing legacy.
“It will be a unique sight as the fastest cars ever to officially lap Mount Panorama drive through the city on Thursday.”
This is a great opportunity to showcase the city of Bathurst to a broad audience.
Mr Craill said fans are welcome to attend the event on Russell Street, which will be closed for the duration.
Selected drivers will be on hand to sign autographs and chat to fans before the cars return to the circuit, he said.
The 2019 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour will be held across four days, from January 31 to February 3, 2019.
The Bathurst 12 Hour is supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW
Tickets can be purchased via Ticketek, with access via the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour website, www.bathurst12hour.com.au