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Bizarre reason Bathurst 1000 officials have been forced to ban power tools at Mount Panorama

It's one of the strict terms and conditions for camping at the famous track.

adam lucius
Contributor
·2-min read

It's the bizarre rule being strictly enforced at the Bathurst 1000 to ensure Supercars fans don’t take a slice of the track home with them this weekend. Listed among the lengthy terms and conditions for camping at the famous Mount Panorama circuit is rule 9 (vii), which states: "No electric or battery powered tools permitted."

It might seem like a strange edict if you didn't know the background. The rule was introduced after a spate of robberies from over-zealous fans looking to pocket a piece of Bathurst memorabilia.

The street signs at Mount Panorama.
The streets at Mount Panorama are all named after Aussie motorsport legends. Image: Getty/Supplied

Street signs behind the pits are adorned with the names of legendary drivers, including Mark Skaife, Allan Moffat, Dick Johnson and Peter Brock. Those signs were being unbolted and pinched on an annual basis, presumably to adorn the man caves of motoring enthusiasts.

A street sign, pictured here featuring Alan Moffat's name.
A street sign featuring Alan Moffat's name. Image: Supplied

Bathurst resident Keith Tucker, whose property sits just metres from the famous Mt Panorama circuit, told Yahoo Sport Australia: "It was becoming a really big problem. They'd bring their power tools with them and unfasten the signs with all these famous drivers' names on them.

"Every year people were souveniring the signs and taking them home and it'd be left to the local council and ratepayers to foot the bill to replace them. You'd go up there on the Monday after everyone had cleared out and there'd be all these poles with no street name on them.

"The authorities got jack of it so now there's a strict no power tools policy. They will now search cars for power tools as well as excess alcohol or anything illegal when you enter the campsite. We haven’t had a problem with the street signs since they started enforcing that rule."

A section of the rules for fans attending the Bathurst 1000.
The rules for fans attending the Bathurst 1000 strictly prohibit power tools. Image: Supplied

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The ban on power tools has also reduced the theft of Bathurst 1000 paraphernalia and advertising surrounding the circuit. There will be a huge police presence to ensure the safety of the 200,000 competitors, officials and spectators at this year's Great Race.

"Operation Bathurst 2024 will ensure event and patron safety and security," Operation Bathurst 2024 Commander Andrew Holland said. "Police will be out in force and will not only focus on road safety and crowd behaviour but will work to minimise the impact of the event on the local community.

"People are encouraged to enjoy themselves responsibly, be considerate of their neighbours and the people around them, and act accordingly for what is a family event where people of all ages are present. We want racegoers to enjoy the weekend, be responsible for their own actions and take care of their mates."