Record crowd for brilliant Bathurst 12 Hour
A Record 53,446 fans attended the 2023 Bathurst 12 hour, as they witnessed a new distance record, the fastest ever qualifying lap, and a podium of world class drivers separated by just 1.4s after more than 2000km of racing.
The first instalment of this year’s Intercontinental GT Challenge smashed the previous crowd high of 49,495 from 2019.
“We made some key additions to the entertainment package which we want to build on next year,” said Event Director, Shane Rudzis.
“Fans saw a reinvigorated Harris Park precinct and we would like to thank the manufacturers for engaging with fans in ways like never before.”
Along with some of the worlds best endurance racers, the big crowd heard and witnessed a 2011 Red Bull F1 car doing laps – piloted by Kiwi Liam Lawson…and its engine stramgely revving out the national anthem!! – as well as the entertaining personality and skills of MotoGP legend and WRT racer Valentino Rossi.
Fans gather around the RB7 in the Mount Panorama paddock.
Rudzis said the weekend was completed with a classic finish where less than a second and a half covered the top three.
“The main attraction was of course the racing of 26 of the world’s best endurance GT entries representing seven of the world’s biggest manufacturers,” Rudzis continued.
“The racing on Sunday was world-class and the pictures of sunrise as a backdrop to the Mount Panorama circuit are part of the unique moments that make this circuit one of the most iconic in the world.”
“I would also like to thank our volunteers, dedicated officials, and the hospitable people of Bathurst for creating an unforgettable experience for fans, as well as the major stakeholders and the Bathurst Regional Council.”
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