Bathurst 12hr advice - 2018

Bathurst 12hr advice - 2018

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Discussion

Jacobyte

Original Poster:

4,718 posts

241 months

Monday 21st August 2017
quotequote all
We're visiting Australia for 3 weeks in Jan/Feb 2018, hopping up and down the east coast.

One thing I cannot miss is the Bathurst 12hr. We're camping in the Blue Mountains for a couple of days, then I have 2 options:

1. Spectate
What's the usual plan: erect a trackside tent and use that as a base for a few days, or is local accommodation a better idea?
Tickets: are they separate for entry/grandstand/pits/etc?
Best place(s) to watch from, or can you "roam" around the whole circuit?
Etc?

2. Compete (subject to budget)
What are the chances of driving with a team in one of the Lotus or Saloon support races (or better still if I can get the backing, the 12hr itself)?
I have relevant experience and am always at the sharp end (2 podiums from 4 races this year in a Daytona Cobra, I have an International C licence, done Nurburgring 24hrs, VLN, GTs, saloons, single seaters, etc)
Does anyone have any team contacts that I could have a chat with?

Other than that, I really don't know what to expect, I've not been to Australia before, I'm just looking forward to it, whatever we do. smile

Coatesy351

861 posts

131 months

Monday 4th September 2017
quotequote all
Ok if you want to camp at the track book it right now as it's almost sold out. Camping at the track is the most fun IMO.

Accommodation in town will probably be hard to get or pricey by now. Tickets general admission gets Pit access and you can spectate from the exit of the chase to hell corner and from the exit of the cutting to Forrest's elbow. There is a bus you catch from the bottom to the top.

As for driving I can't help you there . Can you bring money for a team in the main race wink

Jacobyte

Original Poster:

4,718 posts

241 months

Friday 8th September 2017
quotequote all
Thanks, I will check out the camping, that could be a laugh.

I've been in touch with a 2-car team looking for extra drivers in the 12hr. They were leading their class this year until a mechanical issue dropped them down the order, so they've got potential. It's a fantastic opportunity and part-funded so very good value. But the main problem is that I'd need to fly down there to test in November, which would be very hard to arrange with my other commitments.
I might be able to wangle it, but at least I know I have the chance to drive if other matters align.

Much appreciated!