More than 350 driving infringements issued over Bathurst 1000

The famous event, celebrating its 60th anniversary at the Mount Panorama circuit this year, drew in massive crowds as well as a “high visibility” police operation.

More than 350 infringements have been issued for the Bathurst 1000.

NSW Police’s Operation Bathurst 2023 ran from Thursday, October 5 to Sunday, during which police issued 357 infringements and charged five people for traffic-related offences.

The V8 Supercar event this year celebrated its 60th anniversary at the world-famous Mount Panorama circuit.

NSW Police ran a four-day operation targeting driving offences over the Bathurst 1000. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Henry Derooy

Western Region commander and Assistant Commissioner Brett Greentree said on Monday that both the operation, targeting traffic-related offences, and the event were an “absolute success”.

The majority of the 357 infringements were speeding offences that occurred “right throughout the township” of Bathurst.

The event has only drawn bigger crowds in 2012 and 2018. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Henry Derooy

“We had one high-range drinking incident and also a low-range drinking charge while also having a couple of licencing suspension offences as well,” Mr Greentree said.

“It was a wonderful weekend and more importantly a really safe weekend.

“Overall, from a policing perspective, we are really happy with the behaviour of the crowd.”

Mr Greentree said the population in the Bathurst region “increases tenfold” during Australia’s Great Race, which has evolved into an annual multimillion-dollar event from its beginnings as a 500-mile race in Bathurst in 1963.

More than 200,000 fans attended the four-day event — the third highest in the Bathurst 1000’s history.