An artist's impression of a permanent grandstand and accomodation along pit straight at Mount Panorama from AECOM's study into a second circuit for the precinct.
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By Briar Gunther 1:40 PM Tue 4 January, 2011
Source: BigPond Sport
A feasibility study into a second racing circuit for Bathurst has also suggested a number of improvements to the famous Mount Panorama circuit including more permanent grandstands and accommodation.
AECOM Australia prepared the Mount Panorama Second Circuit Feasibility Study for the Homebush Motor Racing Authority, which assists with works associated with V8 Supercars’ Sydney Telstra 500.
A second circuit has been proposed in a bid to get motorbike racing back to Bathurst because the iconic 6.213km track used for the annual Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 is deemed unsuitable for bikes.
The study investigated a number of layouts for the proposed second circuit, which could also be used for four wheel racing and would not block public roads, which the current track forces when it is used.
AECOM’s study recommends the second circuit be a long term objective and should not be implemented before a revisal of the governance structure for the Mount Panorama precinct.
Other short term recommendations the study made include developing an enhanced tourist centre at the eastern end of the pit complex and a sky tower at the top of Mount Panoramas featuring a restaurant.
A permanent grandstand running along pit straight, with the possibility of attached accommodation or commercial activity, has been proposed in the study to remove the cost of constructing and removing temporary grandstands.
The construction of a motor industry research and development park by a private developer was also recommended in the study as a medium term objective which could help cover the cost to construct the second circuit.
V8 Supercars Events General Manager Shane Howard was consulted as part of the study.
The study said Howard “emphasised the need to maintain the integrity of the historic hill race course, to improve spectator viewing and experience wherever possible…and to ensure detailed circuit design was undertaken to maximise racing quality”.
