How did motoring racing drivers Dick Johnston and John French feel that day in early October 1981 when they stood on the podium and accepted this ‘perpetual’ trophy, shiny and new? On top of the world! They had won the annual ‘James Hardie 1000’ touring car championship at Mount Panorama, Bathurst. But on lap 122, […]
If you saw this boldly decorated car among the ranks of vehicles in the National Motor Racing Museum in Bathurst, you would be correct in thinking it was a very fast car that won an important race. But its story goes well beyond its General Motors V8 engine and bright livery paint scheme and sticker […]
This would become Alec Mildren’s ultimate moment of glory – one he had been tirelessly working toward. Stepping up to the podium in June 1960, he accepted this trophy for his thrilling win of the 25th Australian Grand Prix (est. 1928). It was official, he had the fastest car in Australia. Engraved with his name, […]
Picture this 1980s Aussie campground scene – snags sizzling on smoking barbeques, tents pitched shoulder to shoulder, blokes wearing stubby shorts guzzling beer from tinnies, larrikinism a-plenty, and hour after hour of roaring V8 engines on the nearby racetrack. This picture had become a common sight since motor races began happening on the Mt Panorama […]
On Easter Saturday in 1938 the Mount Panorama Circuit at Bathurst, in the Central West of NSW, was first used for motor racing. The inaugural event was part of the district’s 150 years of European settlement celebrations. The inaugural race was an Australian TT motorcycle race, two days later the Australian Grand Prix cars competed. […]
Museums & Galleries of NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands that comprise the state now known as NSW.
We pay respect to them as First Nations people with a continuing connection to land, place, waters and community
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this site contains stories, images, voices, and video of people who have died.
Some material may contain terms that reflect common usage of the period in which it was written or recorded but may not be considered appropriate today. Such terms do not reflect the views of Museums and Galleries of NSW and are provided only to reflect historical context.