BY BRENDAN ARROW
9/12/2008 8:18:00 AM
This is Bathurst’s first look at the proposed new Grand Prix track at Mount Panorama.
It would cost an estimated $20 million to build the 4.8 kilometre track which could one day be home to a future Australian Superbike or World Motor GP champion.
The new circuit utilises sections in the lower half of the famous Mount Panorama track before branching out into a new section of land behind the Mount Panorama Resort.
NSW Minister for Primary Industry Ian Macdonald last week met a delegation from the Bathurst Regional Council and flagged the idea as one that should get off the ground.
“Very definitely, I think Bathurst needs this second usage on a broad scale here at Mount Panorama the current situation with one major event each year the Bathurst 1000 which is an icon event on the Australian sporting calendar,” Mr Macdonald said.
“We believe there is a case for expanding that to a second iconic event.”
Mr Macdonald said the council proposition was for a bike track that could also be useful in bidding for either the Superbikes or Motor GP.
“These are international events that would attract considerable attention and bring a rather large crowd into Bathurst which would be a good thing for the region,” he said.
Chief designer and former Superbike competitor Allen Cunynhame said he was pleased with the meeting and was looking forward to further discussion taking place.
“I hope to be talking to Mr Macdonald in the next few day with the look eventually hosting a round of the Australia Superbikes,” he said.
“This track would also lend itself perfectly for events such as the Indycars or other major open wheeler style vehicles.”
Mr Cunynhame said he thought if a state-of-the-art motor bike facility was built here, then it would not be long until a rider from the area rose the ranks to champion.
“If we promote motorcycle riding in the Central West there is no reason why we couldn’t have future champions coming from here,” he said.
“Many motorsports legend, past and present, where born here at Mount Panorama and I’d like to see that return.”
The next step in the process will involve lobbying the Federal Government for some additional financial support.
“The figures were are talking about $20 million or more it would require some Commonwealth contribution we’ll sit down and start nutting it out,” Mr Macdonald said.
“I’ve also asked the council to do more work through Allan Cunynghame to do more work with the international bodies to get some feel for the certainty of us if we do all of this getting an international event in there.”
“I think to make it really work we need an international event using that facility. We do need to do a bit more work on that to boost its [the race track’s] chances.”
