The Early History of the Bathurst 1000

These days, Repco Bathurst 1000 is a household name. Known as 'The Great Race', you don't even need to be a racing fan to know about Bathurst. But what makes Australia's favourite race so great? As this year is the 60th anniversary of the race we now know as the Bathurst 1000, we thought we would take a look back in the archives at the early history of the race, and how Bathurst cemented itself as an Aussie icon.

When and where was the first Bathurst 1000?

It may surprise some to know that Australia's favourite race was originally not held at Bathurst, nor was it held over 1000 kilometres. In fact, the origins of what we now know as the Bathurst 1000 started in Phillip Island and was known as the Armstrong 500.

The race was organised by the Light Car Club of Australia and promoted by Armstrong York Engineering Pty Ltd. The shock absorber manufacturer was looking to increase the company's business with major carmakers, particularly Ford and Holden, by sponsoring a race. The race went for 500 miles (around 800 kilometres) and was split into five classes based on engine capacity. 

Who won the first Bathurst 1000?

Frank Coad and John Roxburgh in a Vauxhall Cresta are credited as the first winners of the race back in 1960, competing in Class D for engine capacities of 2001cc to 3500cc.

Of the 45 entrants of the inaugural race 11 did not finish, a strike rate not too dissimilar to modern times, with 6 of the 28 entrants in 2022 not crossing the finish line.

The rules of the early races stated that an entrant's car must be available "as in" in a showroom somewhere in Australia. 

This has been a point of endless contention over the years as the modern Supercars ventured further and further away from this standard. The new Gen 3 vehicles of 2023 are deliberately bringing the cars closer to a showroom-standard... though the lack of Australian manufacturing continues to be a point of controversy with fans.  Experience the Melbourne Cup Carnival live in 2023

The move to Mount Panorama 

The Phillip Island track was severely damaged in the 1962 races and ultimately the race moved to Bathurst and the now iconic Mount Panorama Circuit.

Still known as the Armstrong 500, the race moved to Bathurst and quickly became the flagship event on the Australian motorsporting calendar, as manufacturers realised the marketing potential of a race between showroom replicas.

Of course, it didn't take long for car manufacturers to start designing cars specifically for the race and the term "Bathurst Special" to enter Australian racing vernacular. The class system changed from engine capacity to price range for the 1964 race.

Australia's "Great Race" emerges

The late 1960s saw Bathurst explode in popularity as some cult figures emerged onto the Australian racing scene. Small cars dominated in the early years, until Ford developed its 289 inch V8 Ford Falcon GT and the big V8s became synonymous with Mount Panorama.

Mini Coopers invaded the mountain and got their first victory in 1967, before a minimum number of pit stops saw Ford and Holden become dominate forces, alongside Chrysler.

The three-way-rivalry featured the Holden Monaro, Ford Falcon GT and later GT-HO Super Falcon and Chrysler's Pacer and Charger. But they weren't the only competitors. The 60 entrants in 1967 included some surprising names such as Alfa Giulia Super, Audi Super 90, Fiat 123 and even the Toyota Corolla.

There was even a Japanese driving duo competing in one of the several Datson 1000s. During this period the race went through a few name changes also, from Armstrong 500 to Gallaher 500 and then Hardie-Ferodo 500, before becoming a 1000km race in 1973. See the full naming list of naming conventions below.

Who has won the most Bathurst 1000 races?

Bathurst became a household name and Aussie institution off the back of the fierce Holden versus Ford rivalry.

The two manufacturers traded wins back and forth from 1968 until 1985, when the Great Race allowed and attracted Group A touring cars to the circuit and saw an influx of turbocharged Sierras and Skylines.

Undoubtedly, the Ford v Holden rivalry has been the dominating narrative in Bathurst's 60 year history, with diehard fans devoting themselves to team blue (Ford) or red (Holden). Sadly, the 2022 Repco Bathurst 1000 marked the end of this rivalry as Holden parted ways with Supercars. General Motors - which owns the Holden brand - have ceased to produce the Commodore and chose to enter its Chevrolet Camaro instead. 

Camaro's aren't new to Supercars, with Bob Jane piloting a Camaro ZL-1to back-to-back titles in 1971 and 1972. They have never won a Bathurst race though.

But it wasn't just Fords and Holdens that catapulted Bathurst into Aussie icon status, there was also a man by the name of Peter Brock. The late 70s and early years of the 1980s saw Brock dominate Bathurst and capture the heart of the nation. In 7 years Brocky won 6 times at Bathurst, a feat as yet unrivalled by any other driver as he claimed two hat-tricks at Bathurst, in 1978, '79, '80 and again in 1982, '83 and '84.

You can delve into the stats behind the Ford v Holden rivalry and Brocky’s dominance via the dropdowns below.

Experience the 60th anniversary of the Bathurst 1000 in 2023

Join the 60th year anniversary of Australia's favourite race this year with a Sportsnet Holidays travel package, featuring official tickets, VIP upgrades and local accommodation. On top of this, Sportsnet travel packages incorporate unique experiences such as dinner functions where you get the opportunity to meet-and-greet Supercars legends, and scenic helicopter flights over Mount Panorama! 

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