Bathurst 12H Achieves Record Crowd

History was made at the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour this weekend, with 53,446 fans attending the 2023 installment of the international endurance race.

The new record for the first event of the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli season, has eclipsed the previous record of 49,495 set in 2019, when the event ran over four days.

Event director Shane Rudzis said: “We would like to thank the fans for coming out to support our return to a Pro-Pro GT3 international event, our first in three years.

“Campsites were sold out with over 2,500 sites filled with fans across the weekend.

“We would like to thank the event’s major stakeholders SRO, DNSW, Liqui-Moly, and Bathurst Regional Council, who came together to make this year’s event the biggest and best yet.

“I would also like to thank our volunteers, dedicated officials, and the hospitable people of Bathurst for creating a unforgettable experience for fans.”

The return of the world’s best endurance drivers and Supercars biggest stars, along with the debut of Moto GP legend Valentino Rossi was one of the highlights for fans, as was evident on both Thursday morning and Saturday afternoon when a record-number of patrons made their way into Bathurst and the paddock area respectively to meet with their favorite stars.

The exhibition of the Red Bull Formula 1 car was another key drawcard. Kiwi Liam Lawson’s historic laps have already been viewed by millions of fans around the world in what was a special moment on Mount Panorama.

“From the track to the skies, we made some key additions to the entertainment package in 2023, which we want to build on next year and in the future,” Rudzis added.

“Fans saw a reinvigorated Harris Park precinct and we would like to thank the manufacturers for engaging with fans in ways like never before.

“Not only was the event a thrilling experience for fans, but it also raised significant funds for Ronald McDonald House, the event’s official Charity partner.

“The main attraction was of course the racing of 26 of the world’s best endurance GT entries representing seven of the world’s biggest manufacturers.

“To be here and see that lap record get shattered during qualifying on Saturday was a special moment.

“The racing on Sunday was world-class and the pictures of sunrise as a backdrop to the Mount Panorama circuit are part of the unique moments that make this circuit one of the most iconic in the world.

“We would like to thank our broadcast partners, Foxtel and the Seven Network, who brought the adrenaline-fueled action to audiences around the country and around the world.”