Second Bathurst circuit gets on-track

A second circuit alongside Bathurst’s iconic Mount Panorama is a step closer to being built, with the NSW Government adding funds to boost the motorsport expansion project.

The project is called Velocity Park but it has nothing to do with a certain airline’s frequent flyer program. Bathurst Regional Council instead identified issues surrounding the existing 6.213km circuit that doubles as public road, restricting access for residents when closed.

Expressions of interest opened on April 1, 2017, and called for companies to design and build the second racetrack within preliminary guidelines.

The second circuit will be positioned to the right, or western side, of Brock’s Skyline and McPhillamy Park. It must have a maximum length of 4.58 kilometres and the Bathurst Regional Council proposed layout shows that there are 14 corners all told. The circuit can then be split into nine smaller configurations.

Velocity Park will cost an estimated $52.4 million and take two years to build following final sign off. The project has now edged closer to that point, with the NSW Government having this week announced it would triple state funds from the previous $5 million to a fuller $15m, adding to Bathurst Regional Council’s $27.4m spend. Both state government and local council have applied for Commonwealth support for the remaining $10m required.

It would appear only a matter of time.

“All levels of government have shown strong support for Velocity Park and most importantly, the project has the backing of the motorsport industry,” claimed Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole MP, at this week’s announcement held at Mount Panorama.

According to the NSW Government, the Velocity Park project will also be labelled a ‘precinct’ that covers 668 hectares. Thanks to other areas beyond a bitumen track, it will further be “able to accommodate both four and two-wheeled international level motorsports such as V8 Supercars, MotoGP and Superbike World Championship events.”

Meanwhile, car brands launching new sports cars in Australia would welcome a second option beyond the notoriously expensive existing Mount Panorama circuit. Given the need to restrict resident access, it currently makes the Bathurst track less affordable to use for new car events than Phillip Island in Victoria.

Illustrations supplied by Bathurst Regional Council.