Challenge Bathurst to go carbon neutral

This year's Challenge Bathurst will be the first ever carbon neutral event at Mount Panorama following its organisers signing a 10-year contract to offset emissions.

Challenge Bathurst, which will run between November 11 to 14, has entered a new partnership with not-for-profit organisation Greenfleet to neutralise the carbon footprint created over the four-day outing.

More than 400 cars are expected to turn laps around the iconic circuit across the regularity and supersprint time trial events, with Greenfleet planting trees to completely offset the carbon dioxide emitted by the competitors.

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Event organiser Greg Evans said it was the best way to tackle the issue, as almost all competitors run on pump-grade unleaded fuel.

“The rationale is that carbon offsetting is an immediate and cost-effective way to take responsibility for the environmental impact of the Challenge Bathurst Event,” said Evans.

“While it’s hard to fundamentally change the amount of carbon emissions, due to the engine type of most cars suitable for Challenge Bathurst, it’s easy to offset the emissions by partnering with an organisation like Greenfleet.

“However, this is also an emotional decision based on our competitors' desire to do what they love and offset the impact so we can all keep doing this for the next 30 years and more.

“We don’t have to wait until 2050 to start being ‘net zero’ today. When I realised it cost five dollars a competitor to be net zero – it’s really a no-brainer."

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The 10-year deal will take it through to 2030, a significant year across the world as many manufacturers and governments have committed to phasing out internal combustion engines in private vehicles, ultimately aiming to go carbon neutral by 2050.

Challenge Bathurst was the scene of the fastest lap of Mount Panorama ever recorded in 2018, as former 12 Hour winner Christopher Mies took an unrestricted Audi R8 GT3 around the 6.213 kilometre circuit in 1:59.321, the only sub-two minute lap at the track.