Bathurst 1000 Winners: A Complete History

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The Bathurst 1000, affectionately known as "The Great Race," is an iconic event in Australian motorsport. Held annually at the Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, it's a grueling test of endurance, skill, and teamwork. Winning this race etches a driver's name into motorsport legend. This article delves into the complete history of Bathurst 1000 winners, celebrating the drivers and teams who have conquered Mount Panorama.

Early Years: Armstrong 500 (1960-1962)

Before it was the Bathurst 1000, the race began as the Armstrong 500, held at Phillip Island in 1960. These early races were vastly different from the high-tech, professionally driven events of today. They featured mostly standard production cars, showcasing their reliability and durability over a long distance. The Armstrong 500 served as a proving ground for manufacturers, eager to demonstrate the robustness of their vehicles to the Australian public. Winning this race meant instant credibility and boosted sales.

  • 1960: The inaugural race was won by John Roxburgh and Frank Coad driving a Vauxhall Cresta. This victory was a significant achievement, proving that a relatively standard sedan could withstand the rigors of endurance racing. The win highlighted the Vauxhall Cresta's reliability and performance capabilities, setting the stage for future competitions. Roxburgh and Coad's success demonstrated the importance of vehicle preparation and strategic driving in endurance events. Their victory remains a memorable moment in Australian motorsport history, marking the beginning of a legendary race.
  • 1961: Bob Jane and Harry Firth secured victory in a Mercedes-Benz 220SE. This win underscored the growing interest in European cars in Australian motorsport. The Mercedes-Benz 220SE was renowned for its engineering and build quality, making it well-suited for the challenging conditions of the Armstrong 500. Jane and Firth's triumph highlighted the vehicle's superior performance and reliability, solidifying its reputation among Australian drivers and enthusiasts. Their achievement demonstrated the increasing competitiveness of European manufacturers in the local racing scene.
  • 1962: The final Armstrong 500 at Phillip Island saw Geoghegan brothers, Ian and Leo, clinch the win in a Ford Cortina. This victory marked the rise of Ford in Australian motorsport. The Ford Cortina proved to be a nimble and reliable contender, perfectly suited for the tight and twisty Phillip Island circuit. The Geoghegan brothers' skill and teamwork were instrumental in their success, showcasing their deep understanding of the car and the track. Their win signaled the beginning of Ford's dominance in Australian touring car racing, setting the stage for future Bathurst victories.

The Move to Bathurst and the 1000km Era (1963-Present)

In 1963, the race moved to its permanent home at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, and the distance was eventually set at 1000 kilometers. This transition marked a significant shift in the event's character, transforming it from a test of production car reliability to a high-speed, high-stakes competition. The Mount Panorama circuit, with its challenging elevation changes, tight corners, and long straights, quickly became legendary. Winning at Bathurst required a combination of driving skill, mechanical reliability, and strategic teamwork. The race evolved into a showcase of technological innovation and driver prowess, attracting top teams and drivers from around the world. The move to Bathurst solidified the race's status as Australia's premier motorsport event, drawing massive crowds and capturing the nation's attention.

1960s: The Rise of Ford and Holden

The 1960s at Bathurst were dominated by the fierce rivalry between Ford and Holden. This decade established the race as a battleground for these two iconic Australian manufacturers, with each striving to prove the superiority of their vehicles. The competition fueled innovation and pushed the boundaries of engineering, resulting in some of the most memorable moments in Bathurst history. Drivers like Harry Firth, Bob Jane, and Fred Gibson became household names, celebrated for their skill and determination. The Ford versus Holden rivalry captured the imagination of Australian fans, turning the Bathurst race into a national spectacle.

  • 1963: Bob Jane and Harry Firth, again, took victory, this time in a Ford Cortina GT. This win solidified Ford's presence at Bathurst, demonstrating the Cortina's versatility and performance on the challenging Mount Panorama circuit. Jane and Firth's repeat success underscored their expertise and teamwork, further cementing their legacy in Australian motorsport. Their victory marked a significant milestone for Ford, establishing the Cortina GT as a competitive force in touring car racing. The race highlighted the evolving nature of the competition, with manufacturers constantly seeking to improve their vehicles and strategies.
  • 1965: Bo Seton and Midge Bosworth won in a Ford Cortina GT500. This victory demonstrated the continued success of the Ford Cortina in the mid-1960s. Seton and Bosworth's performance showcased the reliability and speed of the Cortina GT500, proving it to be a formidable contender on the Mount Panorama circuit. Their win added to Ford's growing list of Bathurst victories, further fueling the rivalry with Holden. The race highlighted the importance of vehicle preparation and driver skill in achieving success at Bathurst.
  • 1967: Harry Firth and Fred Gibson triumphed in a Ford XR Falcon GT. This win marked the beginning of the Falcon's dominance at Bathurst. The Ford XR Falcon GT was a powerful and robust machine, perfectly suited for the demanding conditions of the Mount Panorama circuit. Firth and Gibson's victory underscored their experience and skill, solidifying their reputation as top-tier drivers. Their success established the Falcon as a symbol of Australian motorsport, paving the way for future victories and legendary status.
  • 1969: Colin Bond and Tony Roberts secured victory in a Holden HT Monaro GTS 350. This win was a significant moment for Holden, marking their return to the top step of the podium after several years of Ford dominance. The Holden HT Monaro GTS 350 was a formidable competitor, combining power and handling to conquer the challenging Mount Panorama circuit. Bond and Roberts' victory ignited the Holden faithful, sparking celebrations across the country. Their success further intensified the rivalry between Ford and Holden, setting the stage for even more exciting races in the years to come.

1970s: Holden's Golden Era

The 1970s saw Holden dominate the Bathurst 1000, largely thanks to the legendary Peter Brock. This era is often referred to as Holden's golden age, with the Holden Torana and Commodore becoming synonymous with success at Mount Panorama. Brock's skill and charisma captivated Australian fans, turning him into a national icon. The decade was marked by intense competition, technological advancements, and unforgettable moments, solidifying Bathurst's place in Australian sporting history. The Holden team's dominance during this period cemented their legacy and created a lasting impression on motorsport enthusiasts.

  • 1972: Peter Brock claimed his first Bathurst victory, driving a Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1. This win marked the beginning of Brock's legendary career at Mount Panorama. The Holden LJ Torana GTR XU-1 was a nimble and powerful machine, perfectly suited for Brock's aggressive driving style. His victory ignited a passion for Holden among Australian fans, establishing him as a national hero. The race highlighted Brock's exceptional talent and determination, setting the stage for his future successes at Bathurst.
  • 1979: Peter Brock, this time with Jim Richards, won in a Holden LX Torana SS A9X. This victory demonstrated Brock's continued dominance at Bathurst, showcasing his ability to adapt to different cars and teammates. The Holden LX Torana SS A9X was a formidable competitor, combining power and handling to conquer the challenging Mount Panorama circuit. Brock and Richards' collaboration proved to be a winning formula, further solidifying their place in Bathurst history. Their success underscored the importance of teamwork and vehicle preparation in achieving victory at the Great Race.

1980s: The Brock and Moffat Show

The 1980s continued the Holden dominance, with Peter Brock adding more wins to his tally. However, this decade also saw the rise of Allan Moffat and his Mazda RX-7, providing a formidable challenge to Brock's supremacy. The competition between Brock and Moffat captivated fans, creating some of the most memorable moments in Bathurst history. Technological advancements in vehicle design and engineering further intensified the competition, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on the Mount Panorama circuit. The decade was a thrilling chapter in the Bathurst story, marked by intense rivalries and unforgettable victories.

  • 1980: Peter Brock and John Harvey secured victory in a Holden VC Commodore. This win demonstrated the versatility of the Holden VC Commodore, proving it to be a competitive force on the Mount Panorama circuit. Brock and Harvey's success underscored their skill and teamwork, further solidifying their place in Bathurst history. The race highlighted the evolving nature of touring car racing, with manufacturers constantly seeking to improve their vehicles and strategies.
  • 1987: Peter Brock, Peter McLeod, and David Parsons won in a Holden VL Commodore. This victory was a significant moment for Brock, marking his final Bathurst win. The Holden VL Commodore was a powerful and reliable machine, perfectly suited for the demanding conditions of the Mount Panorama circuit. Brock, McLeod, and Parsons' collaboration proved to be a winning formula, further cementing their legacy in Bathurst history. Their success underscored the importance of teamwork and vehicle preparation in achieving victory at the Great Race.

1990s: The Nissan and Ford Era

The 1990s witnessed a shift in power, with Nissan and Ford emerging as the dominant forces at Bathurst. The Nissan Skyline GT-R, driven by the likes of Jim Richards and Mark Skaife, proved to be a formidable competitor, winning consecutive races. Ford, with its Falcon EB and EF models, also enjoyed success during this decade. The era was marked by technological advancements, with electronic driver aids becoming increasingly prevalent. The competition intensified, pushing the boundaries of vehicle performance and driver skill. The decade was a dynamic period in Bathurst history, with new contenders emerging and established teams battling for supremacy.

  • 1991 & 1992: Mark Skaife and Jim Richards won back-to-back races in a Nissan Skyline GT-R. These wins were controversial due to the perceived technological advantage of the Skyline GT-R. The Nissan Skyline GT-R was a high-tech machine, featuring advanced all-wheel-drive and turbocharging systems. Skaife and Richards' success sparked debate among fans and competitors, highlighting the evolving nature of touring car racing. Their victories underscored the importance of technological innovation and driver skill in achieving success at Bathurst.

2000s: Holden's Resurgence and V8 Supercars

The 2000s saw Holden return to the top, with teams like the Holden Racing Team and drivers like Mark Skaife and Garth Tander leading the charge. This era coincided with the rise of V8 Supercars as the premier motorsport category in Australia. The racing became more professional and competitive, with increased manufacturer support and technological advancements. The decade was a thrilling chapter in Bathurst history, marked by intense rivalries and unforgettable moments. The V8 Supercars era brought a new level of excitement and popularity to the Great Race.

  • 2000, 2001 & 2002: Mark Skaife and Todd Kelly, then Skaife and Jim Richards again, then Skaife and Lowndes won in Holden VT and VX Commodores, marking a period of dominance. These victories solidified Skaife's legacy as one of the greatest Bathurst drivers. The Holden VT and VX Commodores were reliable and competitive machines, perfectly suited for the demanding conditions of the Mount Panorama circuit. Skaife's success underscored his exceptional talent and experience, further cementing his place in Bathurst history. These wins highlighted the continued rivalry between Holden and Ford, with each manufacturer striving for supremacy.

2010s and Beyond: Ford vs Holden Continues

The rivalry between Ford and Holden continues into the 2010s and beyond, with both manufacturers enjoying success at Bathurst. The emergence of new teams and drivers has added to the competition, making the race more unpredictable than ever. Technological advancements, such as improved aerodynamics and engine performance, have pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the Mount Panorama circuit. The Bathurst 1000 remains a premier motorsport event, attracting fans from around the world. The future of the race promises to be just as exciting as its past, with new rivalries and innovations shaping the landscape of Australian motorsport.

  • 2013: Mark Winterbottom and Steven Richards won in a Ford FG Falcon, ending a long drought for Ford. This victory was a significant moment for Ford fans, marking their return to the top step of the podium after several years of Holden dominance. The Ford FG Falcon was a competitive machine, perfectly suited for the demanding conditions of the Mount Panorama circuit. Winterbottom and Richards' collaboration proved to be a winning formula, further solidifying their place in Bathurst history. Their success underscored the importance of teamwork and vehicle preparation in achieving victory at the Great Race.
  • 2020 & 2021: Shane van Gisbergen and Garth Tander won in a Holden ZB Commodore in back-to-back races, marking the end of the Holden era.

The Bathurst 1000 is more than just a race; it's a cultural institution. The winners are forever etched in Australian motorsport folklore, their names whispered with reverence by fans. The race continues to evolve, but its essence remains the same: a true test of man and machine against the formidable Mount Panorama.