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6-Hour winners immortalised in new Bathurst winners walk
THE winners of the 2021 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hours have been immortalised in Bathurst history, following the launch today of a new ‘legends walk’ in front of the National Motor Racing Museum.
Winners of Bathurst’s key long-distance enduros, the 6, 12-Hour and 24 Hour, will all be immortalised via plaques installed on a newly-constructed display area in front of the iconic Peter Brock statue, located adjacent to Murray’s Corner.
Bathurst 1000 winners will remain located in their traditional spot in front of the Bathurst Regional Council’s offices on William Street, in the Bathurst City Centre.
2021 6-hour winners Shane Smollen and Rob Rubis were the first to be formally presented with their new winners plaque today, as they look to defend their 6-Hour title.
Recently-elected Bathurst Mayor, Cr Robert Taylor, presented the pair with their winners recognition today in front of the National Motor Racing Museum.
The third driver in that combination, Shane van Gisbergen, will be sent his winners plaque – after being unable to attend this weekend due to Covid-19. Nick Percat will super-sub for the fast Kiwi in the Prestige Connex BMW M4.
“It was a pleasant surprise, we thought we were yesterday’s heroes!” Smollen said.
“It’s been a great honour today with the Mayor, it’s nice to sit back and reminisce about last year and look forward to this weekend.
“This is grass roots racing but it’s an important race with such a big field, it’s what the people want to see; real cars, great range of drivers and it’s going to be a great experience.”
Added Rubis: “It was a bucket list tick, to do it in the way we did it was special and unique. It’s a great event and as Shane said, this is all about where racing began, especially in Bathurst.
“There’s a lot of competition and it’s an event that will just grow and grow in stature.”
Practice for the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour commences tomorrow morning at Mount Panorama with a pair of 60-minute sessions to kick off proceedings.
Friday’s program will also include the Turtle Wax Trans Am Series and Supercheap Auto TCR Australia on track.