Supercars driver James Golding has traded the wheel of his PremiAir Racing Chevrolet Camaro for the passenger seat of a Bathurst Regional Council Engineering Services Isuzu truck, as final preparations ramp up for next month’s Bathurst 1000.

Golding joined council worker Andrew Simmonds in an Isuzu FXY 240-350 6x4 to assist with landscaping duties, including watering the grassed verges alongside the track and tending to the safety fencing around the famous 6.213 km Mount Panorama circuit.

Known for his attention to detail, Golding is fast becoming a pre-race regular in Bathurst. Last year he was hands-on with track boundary marking alongside Central West Linemarking.

For this year’s Great Race on Sunday 12 October, Golding will partner David Russell in the #31 Camaro. PremiAir Racing will also field Richie Stanaway and Nash Morris in the #62 Chevrolet entry.

The ride with council staff gave Golding a very different perspective compared with the high-speed action he’ll face on race week.

“A Chance to Appreciate the Mountain” – Golding

“It’s been great to experience Mount Panorama in a more relaxed way, as a passenger in the Isuzu FXY,” Golding said.

“I can see how much work goes into the whole precinct – from council crews and contractors through to the local community – all building up to the second Sunday in October.

“It still blows me away that this place is just a public road when it’s not race week, with a strict 60 km/h limit,” he laughed.

“I’m pumped for Bathurst 1000 and glad to have played a small part in helping get the track race-ready once again.”

Isuzu Fleet Keeping Mount Panorama Race-Ready

Bathurst Regional Council maintains the Mount, the city, and the wider region using a fleet of 36 Isuzu trucks. These vehicles handle everything from roadworks, sewer projects and concreting to mowing, vegetation management, and general upkeep.

Council worker Andrew Simmonds, who hosted Golding, said it was a thrill to share his “office” ahead of Australia’s biggest regional sporting event.

“It’s been fantastic to have James lend a hand during such a busy time,” Simmonds said.

“Maintenance goes on all year round, but things step up a gear as Bathurst 1000 approaches. Our whole Isuzu fleet is utilised, including the water truck to keep the grass lush and present Bathurst in the best light.

“I’m no Supercars driver, but I’ve got one tip: stay off the grass on race day!”

Council and Community Pride in Bathurst

Bathurst Mayor Cr Robert Taylor said the Great Race remains a key attraction for locals and fans across the globe.

“Council puts enormous effort into ensuring the circuit looks world-class, not just for the races but year-round,” Mayor Taylor said.

“The Mountain is one of Bathurst’s proudest landmarks, and we’re fortunate to have such a dedicated team keeping it in top shape.”

PremiAir Racing Ready for the Great Race

PremiAir Racing will field two entries for the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship’s biggest round. Teams will begin arriving at Mount Panorama from Tuesday 7 October, with practice sessions starting Thursday 9 October.

The 161-lap Bathurst 1000 gets underway at 11:45 am on Sunday 12 October.


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