Bathurst 1000 - absolutely fantastic. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun. I am definately hooked and now a hoon chick. I'm trading in the Audi for a V8!
We had wonderful accommodation in a very nice resort overlooking Lake Lyall just outside Lithgow. It was my perfect accommodation, couples only. They DO NOT cater for children. Ahhhhh - no noise! and no noise there was - I did not see anyone for 3 days. The room had lovely views over Lake Lyall and surrounding hills and a wonderful spa in the room whereby you could sit with a glass of wine and a beautiful view.
Saturday we headed out to Mount Panorama to get a feel for the place and orient ourselves around the venue. There were so many people, but we found our seats in the grandstand on Murrays Corner - great view coming down to the finish line. We then returned home in the afternoon where Phil cooked up a meal in our self-contained kitchen and a glass of wine for me and Becks for Phil and a lovely romantic spa.
We were off to bed early to get ready for an early start on our trek to Bathurst. 4o min drive later, we could start to feel the excitement. As you drive into town, you can see the hill with the Mount Panorama sign on the hill and everyone is carrying flags for either Ford or Holden. Of course, we clearly stood out driving in the Audi. Poor Phil copped the jibe of one guy after the race as we were leaving. With chants of Holden or Ford - poor Phil copped - tosser! We all had a chuckle it was funny. We thought we'd cop more than that as we only saw 1 BMW and 1 other Audi.
We got to Mt P around 8.30am with and easy drive straight into a parking spot and a short walk to our seats. We settled in for the start of the race. V8 engines roured and the smell of fuel was in the air. The race was off only to have the Safety car come out after the first lap when they decided a crashed car from the warm up was probably dangerous. Why they didn't clear it before the start - I don't know. But that's Bathurst - always something happening.
We had at least 5-6 hours to sit through the race, so we headed off to Conrad Straight to get a good look at the full speed these cars can do. On the straight they do over 300km an hour. First stop before Conrad Straight was walk behind the pits. We got to see all the engineering equipment and what goes on behind the scenes.
Don't believe the media in that it is a rough place to be. OK, we didn't go up to the hill, but we didn't need to. Yes the place is full of yobbos (many drunk), but everyone is so friendly and excited about the race. There were a lot of families with kids, and it was clearly safe for them.
The only down side of the event, is when it comes to sharing a portaloo with guys... You can only imagine. It was horrifying when my delicate butt accidently touched the seat and I don't even want to think whos' urine touched my delicate skin. Thank goodness for disinectant I carry in my bag. I was safe...
The finish was spectacular from the last 30 laps to go. It was real edge of the seat stuff. Johnson overtook Lowndes, then the next lap Lowndes took hold of the lead again. It was great. My biggest problem was - I drive an Audi, I like Lowndes who drives a Ford, but I was wearing a Holden shirt and prefer Holdens. I was very confused.....
Anyway, we will definately return again. This time we will camp out and do it rough - like a real aussie bloke... I must say it was great to not have to dress up, wear makeup, worry about your hair, or really care about anything.... Yep - blokes have it good...
I took a day off work and Phil, Jim, mum and I headed up to Aunty Noelenes in Kilcare (on the Central Coast) for the weekend.. They have a beautiful home overlooking the ocean looking across Broken Bay to Palm Beach and Barrenjoey Point
