Thurs, 8th October, 2015 Mount Panorama Volunteers Campground, Bathurst (Practice Day & History of Motorsport Display)

9 degrees outside but it only feels like 5. On with the leggings and extra layer under our work shirt as well as the jumper. Didn’t need the scarf we were given though. We were up at 5.20am as Steve had to report to the Carpark area before 6am and we were to start at 7am on Gate 12 which is over the Armorall Bridge behind the Rydges Hotel. Got of photo of Leanne & me in our work clothes!!

David was our supervisor and there was one other chap. Had a run through of the scanners to check the tickets. Three of us were to check the vehicles coming in and out through the tunnel under the track and the other two did the patron entering and exiting the Chase viewing mound.  I asked if David could show us how to change the scanner from enter to exit and he didn’t know!! Rick and I went and did the patrons and Leanne was on exit on the traffic. As everyone was in the campground they all scanned Exit without Entering so I can’t see what the point of scanning them to start with. Anyway we got into the rhythm of it and had a great time chatting with everyone. Leanne recognised Dick Johnston as he came through. I pointed out Jonathan Webb too but I missed seeing the others.

By 10am it had warmed up so had a break to go to the toilet and strip off!!

Feet are ok as we head back over the bridge to the van for lunch. Steve had finished at 11.30 so he was waiting there for us. Changed into shorts and t-shirts – so nice not to have so many layers on.

Walked down through the Aussie Race Cars for a look.

They had one bare to check out.

Down into the pit area then up over the main bridge into the merchandising area. Seems to be a lot more people here this year on a Thursday.

We scanned out Super Cheap cards and won a big mug and a stubby cooler. Will keep them for presents for my boys!! We still have ours from last year.

Checked out the Mustang.

Went into the History of Motor Racing display. Lots to see and read.

Even some motorbikes.

Steve loved the supercharged MG.

Slowly worked our way around.

Sad story for this car.

Great display.

Back out in Merchandising Alley we found a different type of simulator. You sit in the car and the seatbelts tug and the car wobbles as you race on the screens in front of you. I wouldn’t mind a go at that but you had to buy Holden gear to have a go!! Would be interesting to see how my boys handle it. You can hire it for birthdays etc – didn’t ask how much!!

Another one for the boys – 1700 HP methanol injected wheelstander. Not sure when they will be on the track!!

You can see through the floor so the driver and see where he is going when wheelstanding.

There was a chainsaw sculpturing competition happening at the Stihl area. Getting set up on the stage. They are making a ute.

Wandered around checking out the viewing points – Murrays Corner.

Back to the van for a cuppa with the boys. Made up another stew in the Ecopot (had meat defrosted from when we took the truck in for the clutch and had to turn the fridge off – hence all the stews!!)

We decided we will sit opposite the Red Bull pits. After the track was open to public we went for a wander to check out a spot. There were signs saying all tarps etc would be removed but everyone was painting the grass.

Wandered along Pit Straight checking out the action in the pits. Pye and Ambrose are posting some quick times – wouldn’t it be funny for Ambrose to win. Would like to see Pye do well too after all the crashes he has endured.

You can see through their garage to the Mount Panorama sign on the hillside.

Lots happening in the Nissan garage after David Russell in the No. 15 car hit the wall in practice. Rick Kelly checking out the damage.

A Dunlop Series car was in pit lane. The crew were practising tyre changes as the Dunlop cars are doing a extra long race and will have pit stops where they have to put on tyres and add fuel but not at the same time. He had to carry out the tyre put it on then carry the tyre back into the garage. Once the tyres were on the fuel could be added.

There is also a two girl driver team this year – guess who all the female spectators are going for.

A new motor for Lucas Dumbrell team car.

The sun is going down over the track as we walk back to the van around Murrays Corner and up to the Bridge.

Steve gave it a shove upwards.

Back to the motorhome for a cuppa. Brian and Nathan had flown down and arrived in time for a cuppa – or a rum for them.

Off to bed in our van. Steve has an earlier start tomorrow, 5am.