Why the attraction to Bathurst models?

[Formula]

Ok, this isn't intended as a stab at people and their interests.

But I genuinely have not gotten the appeal of Bathurst vehicles. My understanding of Bathrust (anyone feel free to correct me) is that all the cars are racing 5L engines and the main differences is the car manufacturers and the drivers.

I currently own 4 Bathurst cars, 1 I bought because I love the car, the other 3 bought because I like Jack Daniels and Bundy Red.

For me having a model of a road car makes it seem 'more real' so to speak. As in, I can possibly own a real big one of these one day (unlikely, but you never know) and I may see one drive past one day. Compared to a V8 supercar which seem more like a fantasy car.
Or is this the attraction?

Again, not intending to have a dig. I've sat down and watched V8 supercars and enjoyed it, but never seen the point of owning the models.

[My Element]

because its the number 1 motor sport in australia, and the old cars are legends, and have created history.

[El Cheapo]

I'm sure someone out there agrees, but for me, a lot of the pleasure I get out of the models I buy are the stories and memories I also get from them.

Same reason I don't buy too many road cars. For me, there's nothing to really associate them with. Whereas if I get a Bathurst Winner, or a car I saw race and win, or even get something code3'd, it represents a memory of something I may have watched in my childhood. I'll pre-order a 1998 BTCC Nigel Mansell Donington Park Ford Mondeo the instant it's announced (probably never) because I associate it with the most exciting race I've ever seen. That's why Bathurst cars are so popular. Because they have meaning. Same with the likes of Le Mans releases, and so on.

[edy]

Bathurst winners are good.

Although I might add that Bathurst editions (ie non winners) dont usually command mega bucks - eg Lowndes and Seton 2003 and 2004 cars, Dumbrell/Richo 2005 car, Ingall/Ambrose 2003 etc

Only car that I can think of that bucked the exception was the Black bonnet 2006 HRT car and the 60th Anniversary car.

[the_goldie]

Because Bathurst has so much history in Australian motorsport and as mentioned is the #1 touring car category in Australia.

A bathurst race always has a story to be told of hard luck or domination and has many memorable moments :) The race is the one every V8 driver wants to win on such a daunting and very hard track to win at.

[Boogs]

My understanding and the likes for Bathurst models are -

- besides being the # 1 motorsport event in the country
- manufactures proved that you can do the win a race on Sunday in a car, and then drive it to work on Monday as your daily driver.
- so many stories of Bathurst Races/Wins that go down in our motorsport history..
- plus its given some of the big names of motorsport winners that we have past and present.
- plus owning a model race of a winner of a particular year is good memories in later years to come when you say, "I was there when this happened"...so to speak.

I just kinda wish that I was born a few years earlier to appreciate more than I do (and believe me, its LOT) of the early cars that raced there in the 70's.. Charger, XUI, GTHO, Early Mini's etc.

Although its dominately Ford Vs Holden now, I remember up to the late 70's/early 80's races where you had up to dozen (if not more) different makes and models for the race.. Its all getting a little too high tech for me now which in my opinion, kinda ruins the bare bones history of the sport and coming a little too much like playing GT4.

[SDK]

I've been to Bathurst 23 years straight. Spend 6 days at the track each year with generally the same group of guys. That's a total of 138 days +/-. Looking forward to this year just thinking about it.

There's great races and somtimes average races. At the time I certainly was not at all pleased with the results of '88, '91 & '92, yet as get older, appreciate those results, teams & cars also.

I've got every Bathurst winner released from 1967 (3 years before I was born) on display. With TV/Video seen everything from the old races there is to see and I just love the history.

Having these models in my keeping that I've collected over many years just presses my buttons.

I've also got plenty of other models, been to plenty of other races, yet the Bathurst winners are my favs.

[Bones]

I've only got one word for you guys "Bathurst" that in it's self is enough to collect Bathurst cars.

That one word means so much to so many people all around the world.

[the_goldie]

I've only got one word for you guys "Bathurst" that in it's self is enough to collect Bathurst cars.

That one word means so much to so many people all around the world.

Too TRUE!

[wayno]

Bathurst is the ultimate in motorsport for us in this country. It's the one race of the year I will devote time and a not insignificant amount of money to attend every year (trip number 16 coming in this year).
I love race cars because being such a massive fan they have memories attatched to them and having a model of certain cars is priceless for me.
I'm not a road car fan at all to be honest. A road car is nowhere near as interesting to me as a vehicle with race history that I've seen do it's thing in the flesh.

[VE II]

jump on you tube - (i think im allowed to post them, but im not sure):

in you tube search:
"Murphy Bathurst 2003" - watch first video - "Greg Murphy 2003 Bathurst Pole Position Lap 2.06.859". It'll give you chills.

and than search for this
"2009 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Intro narrated by Russell Crowe"
- than search for 2008 and 2007 intro etc.

Afterwards you'll probably go out and buy every bathurst car ever made - lol

[john]

Most Australians, like myself, grew up watching Bathurst.
I can remember the moment & where I was watching most races from as each winner would cross the finish line. Most Aussie motorsport fans are eith Red (Holden) or Blue (Ford).

[Formula]

I can relate to what a lot of people are saying. But I guess having had more fun in road cars personally (drag strips, raceways or just memories of cars I've owned) I still find road cars much more interesting.

Though, some really good points being put forward regarding Bathurst, keep it coming!

[wayno]

jump on you tube - (i think im allowed to post them, but im not sure):

in you tube search:
"Murphy Bathurst 2003" - watch first video - "Greg Murphy 2003 Bathurst Pole Position Lap 2.06.859". It'll give you chills.

and than search for this
"2009 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Intro narrated by Russell Crowe"
- than search for 2008 and 2007 intro etc.

Afterwards you'll probably go out and buy every bathurst car ever made - lol


You got it in one with the Murph lap. Was standing in my usual spot up top that day and it's something I will never ever forget.
Still probably ranks with the 1989 Aus 500cc gp as the greatest sporting moment I have seen live.

[VE II]

You got it in one with the Murph lap. Was standing in my usual spot up top that day and it's something I will never ever forget.
Still probably ranks with the 1989 Aus 500cc gp as the greatest sporting moment I have seen live.

i get tingles down my spine every time i watch it. it reignites my passion for bathurst every time.

the 09 intro is really good too. nice tribute to brocky and moffat etc thrown in as well

[malscar]

I can relate to what a lot of people are saying. But I guess having had more fun in road cars personally (drag strips, raceways or just memories of cars I've owned) I still find road cars much more interesting.

Though, some really good points being put forward regarding Bathurst, keep it coming!


Formula, the people who religiously collect Bathurst winners and now starting to filter down to other cars that competed, collect them for the same reasons you do road cars. They have watched and have good memories of the times spent at the race/s.

You may notice that there are a lot of different types of collectors who frequent this forum. From Bathurst winners, Brock cars, Moffat cars, Holdens, Fords, LeMans, Rally cars, or even just a colour. Although people in the main good naturedly rib each other, there is no better or worse type of collection/collector. Some though can be very passionate about their particular theme.

I for one, would be interested to see photos of your collection.

[Holdennumber1]

i get tingles down my spine every time i watch it. it reignites my passion for bathurst every time. X2. I was at the track and only about 10 years old back then but even I knew it was a massive achievement. The crowd went nuts afterwards too.

And as for collecting the models, Bathurst is the ultimate race in Australian motorsport, its the best track, the hardest to succeed at and is where legends are made so collecting the 1:18 winners is a must for any diehard V8 fan or collector.

[Kashmir]

I'm sure someone out there agrees, but for me, a lot of the pleasure I get out of the models I buy are the stories and memories I also get from them.

Same reason I don't buy too many road cars. For me, there's nothing to really associate them with. Whereas if I get a Bathurst Winner, or a car I saw race and win, or even get something code3'd, it represents a memory of something I may have watched in my childhood. I'll pre-order a 1998 BTCC Nigel Mansell Donington Park Ford Mondeo the instant it's announced (probably never) because I associate it with the most exciting race I've ever seen. That's why Bathurst cars are so popular. Because they have meaning. Same with the likes of Le Mans releases, and so on.

Agree, I only really collect race car's, I love to see models (or I code 3) of a race that was significant or special for me. It doesn't matter if the car achieved nothing if it's a special memory than I will usually get one, main reason why I buy few road cars as they don't have any significant memories for me.

[gab73]

Bathurst is a "Legend Maker".

[wayno]

Mal you forgot the f1 collectors!
I think there's a couple here. :D

[malscar]

Mal you forgot the f1 collectors!
I think there's a couple here. :D

Didn't forget you, just decided you weren't worth mentioning. :p:o oopps

[FastRedCars]

Ok, this isn't intended as a stab at people and their interests.

But I genuinely have not gotten the appeal of Bathurst vehicles. My understanding of Bathrust (anyone feel free to correct me) is that all the cars are racing 5L engines and the main differences is the car manufacturers and the drivers.
.

Everyone who collects Bathurst Winners (and/or other Bathurst models) would have their own slant on why they appeal, but I think the common threads would boil down to a few basic ones : It's an awesome track, and well worth conquering for any driver; the event has great history - past races have featured some epic battles, mostly in vehicles that the spectators can identify with; our best domestic drivers have always been attracted to it (even when it was not for cars that featured in the then national championships); and people have woven it into their lives, as an annual ritual. People have therefore developed an emotional attachment to it, so it follows that the keener ones like to have souvenirs of it (programs, caps, signed posters, and of course, models of the cars that have run and won there).
Its true that, for the recent past, it has only featured 2 different Brands that are pretty far removed from their road car cousins, and don't change much from year to year - but Bathurst's reputation is not built on this, these later cars ride on the reputation of their forerunners. But it is still an awesome track; it still attracts our best domestic drivers; it still produces epic battles; its still part of our annual rituals; and the models still connect us to an event that we love. And model cars are cool anyway, because they connect us to the happiness of our childhoods ! They are a heart thing, not a head thing.
But, you may ask, why Bathurst in particular ? Well, thats easy to answer - its the track itself - it is a stunning piece of road, and just not by Australian standards. The overseas drivers who have had the chance to race on it have been, to a man, blown away by it. I have taken many visitors there, even people who are not particularly into racing, but who know of The Race. Even at road speeds in a registered car, it only takes one lap for people to grasp the enormous achievement in winning a 1000 km race around it. Every Australian should go there once in their life, and drive a couple of laps.
But I'll finish this answer to your wondering, with the reaction I got from a Pom. I was at the Festival of Speed in England, talking to Win Percy about the Jaguar D-type he was about to drive in the Hillclimb, and as he is a winner of the 1000, the subject of Bathurst came up. I said that we Australians rate the track very highly, but as a visitor, who has raced all over the world, what did he think of it. He explained how he loved it, but the look on his face said it all : Heaven. A special place that's bred a special race.

[rayman]

Simple, I like em.

[fatty]

Maybe because they make more models of Bathurst cars than season cars.

[group C]

Appart from all tnhat already has been disscused i would like to add one more thing.
Bathurst is the HOLY GRAIL of australian and world motor racing:D
And every year the race has some memorable moments and it also has nail biting moments,I think people like to collect a car that represents the pinnicle of Australian motor sport to look into there cabinet and remember.

[Vectra]

Yep, it's religion, like an AFL grand final to footy people.

[Formula]

Never understood AFL. Don't even try haha.

So I took some time out to watch the videos recommended for me. I think I'm going to be spending a bit more time watching Bathurst. The Murphy Bathurst 2003 one was absolutely incredible.

Thanks guys, you'll probably send me broke now :P
I don't think they'll take the place of my road cars, but I can definitely see the attraction.

[wayno]

TV does not even begin to do the place justice. To get up there even on a non race day is unbelievable and makes you appreciate how truly brave these guys are.

[Maq]

Exactly. The place what blew me away was "The grate" standing before it as they hoot down to the grate then rip it around the corner up the hill. I got no idea why there is no decent camera angle there. Great viewing and fast

[gab73]

TV does not even begin to do the place justice. To get up there even on a non race day is unbelievable and makes you appreciate how truly brave these guys are.

So true, nothing like doing a lap in your own road car.

[wayno]

I went around there on my RZ-350 in 1998 and scared myself silly!

[Brutesutes]

because its the number 1 motor sport in australia, and the old cars are legends, and have created history.YES YES AND YES dont waste your ink this is the best answer :cool:

[David Paterson]

So true, nothing like doing a lap in your own road car.

There's one thing better....................doing a meeting there in your race car. Easily the highlight of my life, everything i've ever done in my life before and since seems pale by comparision. Hardly a day goes by when i don't think about it. :) Totally and utterly addictive!

[Andrew]

There's one thing better....................doing a meeting there in your race car. Easily the highlight of my life, everything i've ever done in my life before and since seems pale by comparision. Hardly a day goes by when i don't think about it. :) Totally and utterly addictive!

Offer rides in your BMW race cars at the Mountain David! A ride in a genuine Group A BMW M3 around Bathurst.

[wayno]

I'll put my hand up VISA card waving! :D

[David Paterson]

Offer rides in your BMW race cars at the Mountain David! A ride in a genuine Group A BMW M3 around Bathurst.

Wrong David! I've got a Group A Corolla Sprinter, David Towe has the Group A M3s.

I haven't finished restoring the Sprinter yet, but I ran my Group Nc Torana at Bathurst 9 times! Yes I'm hooked! :)

[wazza002]

Wrong David! I've got a Group A Corolla Sprinter, David Towe has the Group A M3s.

I haven't finished restoring the Sprinter yet, but I ran my Group Nc Torana at Bathurst 9 times! Yes I'm hooked! :)


Hey David, Have you got some pic's of your car the Torana can we see it thanks just to see it again ;):D

[singer]

1 of my friends, Ron Shepherd, ran his Blue LJ XU1 #92 in the Biante Historics (& pranged it over the top of the Mountain in IIRC 05).

I had pics but they were on my Computer when it died ( Slack:before I put them on a disc ).:o

[Andrew]

Wrong David! I've got a Group A Corolla Sprinter, David Towe has the Group A M3s.

I haven't finished restoring the Sprinter yet, but I ran my Group Nc Torana at Bathurst 9 times! Yes I'm hooked! :)

Sorry David!!!! Well, how about offer rides in your Group A Corolla around the mountain - gives you more laps around there paid by other people!