It’s almost time to stop talking and start driving. Mount Panorama is humming, the track is ready, and in just five days, we will witness the dramatic coronation of the new Kings of the Mountain at the Repco Bathurst 1000. This isn’t just another race; this is “The Great Race”, the one that truly captivates the entire country. Forget your quiet Sunday plans; the thunder is coming, and it begins rolling out on Thursday when the first official track action kicks off.
The atmosphere is already chaotic—in the best way possible. Team transporters have completed their pilgrimage and arrived in the pit lane, signaling that the serious business is about to commence. But the real spectacle outside the circuit fences is the dedicated legion of fans. If you’ve been up on the mountain this week, you know the drill: the tents are going up, the fires are being stoked, and a temporary city is being established. This year, the commitment is staggering: more than 7,000 campsites are sold out. That’s seven thousand separate parties, all united by a single goal—to be there when the checkered flag drops and the new champions are crowned on Sunday. These fans haven’t just come from down the road; people are traveling from all corners of Australia and even “afar” to stake their claim on a patch of Mount Panorama. The whole operation, by the way, is proudly backed by the NSW Government through Destination NSW.
The Champions’ Curse: Can Kostecki and Hazelwood Go Back-to-Back?
The narrative dominating the lead-up focuses squarely on the defending champions, Brodie Kostecki and Todd Hazelwood. Just this week, the pair, who conquered the Mountain in 2024, were officially welcomed back to Bathurst. Mayor Cr Robert Taylor presented them with a prestigious award outside the Civic Centre, officially cementing their names into the Victor’s Walk. That’s heavy hardware and a massive symbolic weight to carry into the pit lane.
Their status as returning champions, already immortalized alongside previous legends of the Bathurst 1000, sets the stage for high-stakes drama. They aren’t here for a victory lap; they are here for the intense “2025 tilt at the crown”. Repeating a victory on this unforgiving circuit is arguably tougher than winning it the first time, especially when your name is literally carved into the street just down the road from the track. All eyes will be on them to see if they can withstand the pressure and avoid the traditional “champion’s curse.”
Off-Track Contract Bombshells
Bathurst isn’t just about what happens at 300 kph. It’s the centerpiece of the calendar, and that means major business often gets handled right in the middle of the pre-race chaos. Take David Reynolds, the 2017 King of the Mountain, for example. He dropped a massive piece of off-track news right as the excitement was peaking, announcing a new contract extension that will keep him racing for Team 18 from 2026. While Reynolds is focused on the immediate task of conquering the Mountain this weekend, confirming long-term stability with his squad certainly takes the edge off his future planning. It’s a move that showcases just how central this event is to every driver’s career path.
For the rest of us, the waiting game is nearly done. While the campers continue to set up their temporary homes on the hills of Mount Panorama, the teams are preparing their machines for the grueling thousand kilometers ahead. If you’re not already camping but want to catch the action live, tickets for the event are currently on sale.
And if you can’t make it to the sold-out campsites, fear not: the entire spectacle of the Repco Bathurst 1000 will be broadcast live. You won’t miss a minute of the action, with comprehensive coverage available across the screens of the Seven Network, 7plus, Kayo, and Foxtel.
The countdown stands at five days. The 2024 winners have been honored. The off-track deals are settled. Now, it’s time for the engines to roar and the legends to be made. Get ready, Australia.
