Mount Panorama: Bathurst – the stories behind the legend

‘Deeply researched and brilliantly told’ -Sydney Morning Herald



There’s no other motor-racing circuit in Australia that holds the same magic as Bathurst’s Mount Panorama. It’s been home to the Australian Grand Prix, the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix and TT, the Bathurst 1000 and the Intercontinental GT Challenge. To win on the Mountain is still the pinnacle of Australian motorsport achievement.



As a motor-racing journalist for more than 45 years, John Smailes has had extraordinary access to the Mountain and to the leading names who competed there. When Jack Brabham celebrated his three world championships, when the Bathurst 1000 was born, when motorcycle greats Mick Doohan, Wayne Gardner and Gregg Hansford tested themselves, John was there. He has reported on every victory by Peter Brock, Allan Moffat and Dick Johnson and he’s covered the careers of contemporary stars Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup, Mark Skaife and the incredible father-and-son duo Jim and Steven Richards.

In Mount Panorama, John Smailes gives us the definitive account of the Mountain, taking us into the pits, the workshops and the boardrooms to reveal the stories behind the circuit’s conception and the champions, and legendary races that have made it so famous. It’s the Mountain brought to life.

‘The amazing history of world-renowned motor-racing circuit Mount Panorama comes to life’ -Daily Telegraph


‘[Smailes] speaks to the people involved (wherever possible) and draws on his long-time involvement with the circuit and its best-known characters.’ -Australian Financial Review






‘If you’re a fanatic, this book may be your new bible.’ -Weekly Times



‘Smailes brings to life the clashes of egos, backroom deals, the struggles to keep cars going that were falling apart on the track after 1000km of racing – and most entertainingly the downright cheating.’ -The Advertiser

Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: 01/08/2023