Bathurst 12: Bike events preview

BIKES ON TRACK FOR WPS BATHURST 12 HOUR

While four wheels may be the status quo for the 'big race' at the 2009 WPS Bathurst 12 Hour Showroom Enduro next weekend, February 20-22 will also see Mount Panorama welcoming bike enthusiasts to the circuit with two initiatives in place for the Saturday and Sunday of the Event.

With their success in 2008, Saturday's family focused Street and Custom Motorcycle Show and Sunday's Club Display Day will both return for 2009 as the perfect compliment to the three-day Event's main drawcard -- the WPS Bathurst 12 Hour - with awards and prizes on offer over both days.

Motorcycle Show and Display Coordinator for the Event, Greg Hirst, said he looked forward to inviting even more bike enthusiasts to the hallowed ground of the Mountain in February.

"This will be the third year that we have incorporated bikes into the WPS Bathurst 12 Hour Event and the second that we have held the Show and Club day -- with great responses enjoyed upon their introduction in 2008 with over 60 entrants over the weekend," said Hirst.

"For 2009 we will also have a very high-profile bike fan on track, as we believe Australian movie star and WPS Bathurst 12 Hour competitor Eric Bana holds a history of involvement with motorcycles alongside his well documented passion for car racing, and we hope to see him wandering through the show at some time during the weekend.

"Saturday's Street and Custom Motorcycle Show is open to all types of motorcycles and riders, with the family focused activity held as part of the off-track Event action.

"The Club's Display Day on Sunday 22nd will be open to all motorcycle clubs interested in displaying their bikes with free Entry to all participants.

"Special awards will be presented across both days, with 15 categories available on Saturday and 13 on Sunday, plus cash prizes for Best Bike and People's Choice on Saturday."

WPS Bathurst Motor Festival Event Director James O'Brien said the WPS Bathurst 12 Hour Showroom Enduro Event was happy to continue their work of incorporating all aspects of the motoring industry at the spiritual home of motorsport -- Mount Panorama -- by welcoming the bikes back to the Event yet again.

"Motorcycles have a long history at Mount Panorama and provide additional colour and interest over the three days, so I am pleased to be able to have them back to the Event once again for 2009," said O'Brien.

Once inside the Mount Panorama circuit riders and pillions will have free access behind the pit area and in the Bathurst Motor Museum, as well as having the opportunity to enjoy the WPS Bathurst 12 Hour Race. Camping is also available.

These motorcycle initiatives are part of a wide ranging entertainment program for the February 20-22 weekend, with a round of the FMX National Championship along with the 'Superstreet Nationals, Street Machines, Muscle Cars, Classics, Cruisers, Rods, Imports & Hi Tech Cars, Drift Cars, Exhibition Show n Shine, Audio Show & Sound Off, Driving Activities, Drag Cars, Trade Displays, Pro-Mo Babe Comp and a Dyno Competition all taking place over the three days.

The 2009 WPS Bathurst Showroom Enduro will be held at Mount Panorama on February 20-22 with an excess of 140 drivers across 49 entries set to take to the track. In addition to the 12 Hour race the Event will also incorporate the opening round of the 2009 Shannon's Nationals which will feature the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, Saloon Cars, Formula Vee, HQ Holden's and Improved Production

The 2008 WPS 12 Hour Showroom Enduro was won by the Mitsubishi Evo 9 of Damien White, Graham Alexander and Rod Salmon.

-credit: bathurst12hour.com.au