Mount Panorama

Conquer the legendary Mountain. From the heart-stopping descent through The Esses to the precision required at The Chase, Mount Panorama's 6.213km of elevation changes and concrete walls demand respect, bravery, and absolute precision. Master Australia's most iconic circuit.

Begin Mountain Mastery Study Corner Guide

The Mount Panorama Philosophy: Respect The Mountain

Mount Panorama represents the ultimate test of courage and precision in motorsport. This legendary 6.213km public road circuit climbs 174 meters through the streets of Bathurst, creating one of racing's most challenging and rewarding experiences.

6.213 km

Public road circuit

23 Corners

Walls everywhere

174m Elevation

Massive gradient changes

Circuit Philosophy: Mount Panorama doesn't forgive mistakes. The combination of narrow sections, blind corners, massive elevation changes, and unforgiving concrete walls creates a circuit that demands total respect. Build speed progressively or pay the price.

Track Characteristics

Circuit Features

  • Layout: 6.213km with extreme elevation
  • Direction: Clockwise
  • Corner Count: 23 officially named
  • Elevation Change: 174 meters total
  • Longest Straight: Conrod Straight (1.9km)
  • Surface: Public road, variable grip

Key Challenges

  • The Esses: Blind, downhill, walls close
  • The Dipper: Steep descent, commitment required
  • Skyline: Blind crest at high speed
  • The Chase: Heavy braking from 300km/h
  • Reid Park: Off-camber, wall outside
  • Concrete Walls: Zero runoff areas

Racing Categories at Mount Panorama

Category Lap Time Range Top Speed Key Characteristics Main Challenge
Supercars 2:03 - 2:06 300 km/h Power and commitment Managing the mountain
GT3 2:01 - 2:04 290 km/h Downforce advantage Traffic on mountain
GT4 2:18 - 2:22 260 km/h Momentum crucial Speed differential
TCR 2:25 - 2:30 240 km/h FWD limitations Mountain section grip
Production 2:30 - 2:45 220 km/h Stock-based cars Brake management

Comprehensive Corner Guide

Master every corner of Mount Panorama with our detailed analysis. Each section of The Mountain presents unique challenges that must be respected.

Mountain Climb: Hell Corner to McPhillamy

Turn 1: Hell Corner

Type: 90-degree left, uphill

Speed: 70-85 km/h

Gear: 2nd

Key Point: Position for Mountain Straight

Technique:

  • Brake at 150m board typically
  • Late apex for better exit
  • Use all exit road but avoid wall
  • Full throttle as early as possible
  • Sets tone for mountain climb

Turn 2-3: Quarry Corner

Type: Left kink uphill

Speed: 140-160 km/h

Gear: 4th-5th

Key Point: Commitment uphill

Technique:

  • Minimal lift or flat out
  • Position right before turn
  • Let car run left naturally
  • Wall very close on exit
  • Trust required going uphill

Turn 4: The Cutting

Type: Right-hander, steep uphill

Speed: 110-130 km/h

Gear: 3rd-4th

Key Point: Uphill traction

Technique:

  • Brake while still straight
  • Turn in early for best line
  • Power on at apex
  • Use uphill gradient for traction
  • Momentum crucial for climb

Turn 5-6: Reid Park

Type: Off-camber right, then left

Speed: 100-120 km/h

Gear: 3rd

Key Point: Off-camber challenge

Technique:

  • Entry speed crucial - easy to overshoot
  • Off-camber reduces grip significantly
  • Late apex to avoid wall on exit
  • Quick direction change to left
  • Many careers ended here
Warning: Reid Park claims more victims than any other corner. The off-camber nature and concrete wall on exit demand absolute respect.

Turn 7-9: McPhillamy Park

Type: Fast left over crest

Speed: 140-160 km/h

Gear: 4th

Key Point: Blind crest commitment

Technique:

  • Position right before crest
  • Turn as car gets light
  • Trust the landing grip
  • Inside wall very close
  • Sets up Skyline approach

Mountain Top: Skyline to Forrest's Elbow

Turn 10-11: Skyline

Type: Blind crest, slight right

Speed: 180-200 km/h

Gear: 5th

Key Point: Blind faith required

Technique:

  • Position left before crest
  • Minimal steering over crest
  • Car goes light - maintain control
  • Prepare immediately for Esses
  • Speed carries into descent
Pro Tip: Skyline requires absolute commitment. Lifting here costs significant time down the Esses. Build confidence progressively.

Turn 12-15: The Esses

Type: Downhill left-right-left sequence

Speed: 140-180 km/h

Gear: 4th-5th

Key Point: Rhythm through descent

Technique:

  • Entry position crucial from Skyline
  • Brake lightly before first left
  • Flow through sequence smoothly
  • Use all available road width
  • Walls extremely close throughout
Critical: The Esses separate the brave from the fast. One mistake here ends your race. Build speed progressively and respect the walls.

Turn 16: The Dipper

Type: Steep downhill left

Speed: 120-140 km/h

Gear: 3rd-4th

Key Point: Steep gradient control

Technique:

  • Brake before steep descent
  • Turn in at plateau
  • Let gravity help rotation
  • Power on through compression
  • Exit speed crucial for straight

Turn 17-18: Forrest's Elbow

Type: Tight right-left complex

Speed: 80-100 km/h

Gear: 2nd-3rd

Key Point: Position for Conrod

Technique:

  • Heavy braking downhill
  • Sacrifice first apex for second
  • Quick direction change
  • Early power for Conrod Straight
  • Every km/h matters here

The Descent: Conrod to Murray's

Conrod Straight

Type: 1.9km straight with kink

Speed: 300+ km/h

Gear: 7th-8th

Key Point: Flat out bravery

Technique:

  • Maximum exit speed from Forrest's
  • Kink usually flat (car dependent)
  • Slipstream opportunities
  • Prepare for heavy braking
  • 300+ km/h approaching Chase

Turn 19-20: The Chase

Type: Heavy braking chicane

Speed: 100-120 km/h

Gear: 2nd-3rd

Key Point: Major overtaking zone

Technique:

  • Brake at 150-200m (car dependent)
  • Straight line braking crucial
  • Late apex first part
  • Quick flick left
  • Power down to Murray's

Turn 23: Murray's Corner

Type: 90-degree left onto pit straight

Speed: 80-100 km/h

Gear: 2nd-3rd

Key Point: Exit speed crucial

Technique:

  • Brake downhill - tricky
  • Late apex for better exit
  • Use all exit road
  • Critical for lap time
  • Sets up pit straight speed

Car-Specific Approaches

Each car class requires unique techniques to survive and thrive on The Mountain. Understanding these differences is crucial for both speed and survival.

Supercars Approach: Raw Power Management

Key Characteristics

  • Lap Time Target: 2:03-2:06 (dry conditions)
  • Top Speed: 300 km/h on Conrod
  • Main Challenge: Managing weight and power

Mountain Section

  • Power Management: Smooth throttle crucial
  • Brake Temps: Critical on descent
  • Line Discipline: No room for error
  • Gear Selection: Often higher than expected

Survival Tips

  • Build Gradually: Don't attack immediately
  • Respect Walls: No heroes on lap 1
  • Tire Management: Critical in races
  • Fuel Saving: Lift points identified

GT3 Approach: Downforce Advantage

Key Characteristics

  • Lap Time Target: 2:01-2:04
  • Top Speed: 290 km/h
  • Main Challenge: Traffic management on mountain

Advantages

  • Downforce: Higher speeds through Esses
  • Braking: Superior stopping power
  • Stability: More confidence on mountain
  • Traction Control: Safety net available

Key Corners

  • Skyline: Often flat out
  • The Esses: Higher entry speeds
  • The Dipper: More aggressive line
  • The Chase: Later braking possible

GT4 Approach: Momentum Preservation

Key Characteristics

  • Lap Time Target: 2:18-2:22
  • Top Speed: 260 km/h
  • Main Challenge: Speed differential in multi-class

Mountain Strategy

  • Entry Speed: Crucial everywhere
  • Line Choice: Maximize radius
  • Gear Selection: Keep momentum
  • Patience: Build speed progressively

Multi-Class Tips

  • Awareness: Faster cars approaching
  • Predictability: Hold your line
  • Communication: Use relative box
  • Passing Zones: Make it easy for them

Production Car Approach: Survival First

Key Characteristics

  • Lap Time Target: 2:30-2:45
  • Top Speed: 220 km/h
  • Main Challenge: Limited grip and brakes

Survival Strategy

  • Brake Early: Preserve brake temps
  • Smooth Inputs: Maximize grip
  • Patience: Don't overdrive
  • Consistency: Finish first, first finish

Key Areas

  • The Esses: Much slower entry
  • Reid Park: Extra caution required
  • The Dipper: Brake management
  • Conrod Straight: Draft opportunities

Race Strategy & Survival

Success at Mount Panorama requires more than speed - it demands respect, patience, and intelligent racecraft. The walls are always waiting.

Primary Overtaking Zones

The Chase

  • Setup: Slipstream down Conrod
  • Execution: Late braking to inside
  • Risk: Easy to outbrake yourself
  • Defense: Position early

Hell Corner

  • Setup: Better exit from Murray's
  • Execution: Inside line uphill
  • Risk: Compromised exit
  • Defense: Cover inside early

Mountain Overtaking

Griffin's Bend

  • Opportunity: After The Cutting
  • Execution: Better drive uphill
  • Warning: Very risky

Forrest's Elbow

  • Setup: Pressure through Dipper
  • Execution: Late brake downhill
  • Caution: Critical corner exit
Mountain Rule: Never attempt overtakes through The Esses or Skyline. The risk far outweighs any potential reward.

The Bathurst 1000 Strategy

Endurance Approach

  • First Hour: Survival mode
  • Fuel Windows: 23-26 laps typically
  • Tire Strategy: Track temp dependent
  • Driver Changes: Manage fatigue
  • Safety Cars: Expect multiple

Key Factors

  • Brake Management: Critical on mountain
  • Tire Preservation: Long stints required
  • Fuel Saving: Lift points identified
  • Risk Assessment: When to push/conserve
  • Co-driver: Communication vital

Weather Impact

Wet Conditions

  • Mountain Section: Extremely treacherous
  • Visibility: Major issue in spray
  • Rivers: Form across track
  • Braking: Distances double
  • Survival Mode: Mandatory approach

Fog on Mountain

  • Common: Early morning sessions
  • Visibility: Can be near zero
  • Local Knowledge: Crucial advantage
  • Speed Reduction: Dramatic required
  • Reference Points: Memorize alternatives

Mountain Section Mastery

The mountain section from Reid Park to Forrest's Elbow defines Mount Panorama. Master this section and you've conquered The Mountain.

Mountain Respect: This section has claimed countless races and careers. Build speed progressively over many laps. The walls don't move, and there's no runoff.

Corner-by-Corner Mountain Guide

Reid Park Complex

  • Approach: Position far left up the hill
  • Braking: Before crest, while loaded
  • Turn-in: As track flattens
  • Apex: Late to avoid wall on exit
  • Exit: Let car run but respect wall
  • Common Error: Too much entry speed

McPhillamy Park

  • Setup: Quick flick left after Reid
  • Approach: Position right side
  • Over Crest: Turn as car gets light
  • Landing: Trust the grip
  • Inside Wall: Extremely close
  • Key: Commitment and precision

Skyline

  • Approach: Full commitment required
  • Position: Left side before crest
  • Over Crest: Minimal steering
  • Blind Exit: Trust your line
  • Speed: Carries into Esses
  • Progressive: Build confidence slowly

The Esses Survival Guide

Entry (Turn 12)

  • Position from Skyline crucial
  • Light brake before first left
  • Smooth turn-in essential
  • Sets up entire sequence

Middle Section

  • Flow is everything
  • Use all available width
  • Minimal steering corrections
  • Build speed progressively

Exit

  • Position for Dipper
  • Maximum exit speed
  • Walls closest here
  • Commit to your line

The Dipper Technique

Approach

  • Brake before steep section
  • Downshift while straight
  • Position to right side
  • Prepare for gradient

Through Corner

  • Turn at plateau
  • Let gravity help
  • Progressive throttle
  • Trust compression grip

Exit Strategy

  • Power through compression
  • Use all exit road
  • Build speed for straight
  • Critical for lap time

Advanced Techniques

Master the subtle techniques that separate survivors from specialists at Mount Panorama.

Wall Proximity Management

Visual References

  • Peripheral Vision: Always aware of walls
  • Reference Points: Not always apexes
  • Exit Points: Know where track opens
  • Shadow Lines: Use in practice

Safety Margins

  • Practice: 30cm minimum
  • Qualifying: 15-20cm
  • Race: 20-30cm
  • Traffic: Extra 20cm

Progressive Building

  1. Learn the racing line
  2. Find brake markers
  3. Identify wall proximities
  4. Gradually reduce margins
  5. Never exceed comfort zone
Golden Rule: It's better to be 10cm from the wall consistently than kiss it once.

Brake Management

Temperature Control

  • Mountain Descent: Critical phase
  • Cooling Zones: Conrod Straight
  • Problem Corners: Chase, Hell, Forrest's
  • Technique: Slight early braking

Endurance Strategy

  • Lap 1-10: Build temps gradually
  • Mid-Stint: Manage carefully
  • Final Laps: Preserve for finish
  • Indicators: Pedal travel, response

Speed Secrets by Section

Mountain Climb Secrets

  • Hell Corner: Exit speed worth 0.3s up mountain
  • Mountain Straight: Full throttle commitment
  • The Cutting: Use all road on exit
  • Griffin's Bend: Sets up Reid Park
  • Gear Selection: Often one higher than instinct

Mountain Top Secrets

  • Reid Park: Entry speed is everything
  • McPhillamy: Commit over crest
  • Skyline: Build progressively
  • The Esses: Rhythm over speed
  • The Dipper: Use the compression

Descent Secrets

  • Forrest's Exit: Every km/h counts
  • Conrod Kink: Usually flat out
  • The Chase: Brake marker discipline
  • Murray's: Late apex for speed
  • Pit Entry: Know the commitment point

Data Analysis & Telemetry

Understanding your data at Mount Panorama helps identify where speed can be found safely.

Key Performance Indicators

  • Minimum Speeds:
    • Hell Corner: 70-85 km/h
    • Reid Park: 100-120 km/h
    • The Dipper: 120-140 km/h
    • The Chase: 100-120 km/h
  • Top Speeds:
    • Mountain Straight: 250 km/h
    • Conrod Straight: 300+ km/h
    • Pit Straight: 270 km/h

Telemetry Focus Points

  • Brake Temps: Critical on descent
  • G-Forces: Compression points
  • Throttle Trace: Confidence indicators
  • Steering Angle: Smoothness crucial
  • Speed Trace: Flow through Esses
  • Tire Temps: Inside vs outside

Sector Time Analysis

Class Sector 1 Sector 2 Sector 3 Critical Section
Supercars 50-51s 32-33s 40-41s Mountain top
GT3 49-50s 31-32s 40-41s The Esses
GT4 55-56s 36-37s 45-46s Mountain climb
Production 60-62s 38-40s 48-50s Brake zones

Mental Approach & Preparation

Mount Panorama demands mental strength unlike any other circuit. The combination of walls, blind corners, and elevation creates intense psychological pressure.

Building Mental Resilience

Progressive Confidence

  • Day 1: Learn the line, stay safe
  • Day 2: Find brake markers
  • Day 3: Build speed gradually
  • Day 4+: Refine and push carefully

Fear Management

  • Accept Fear: It keeps you safe
  • Skyline: Build over many laps
  • The Esses: Rhythm over speed
  • Wall Strikes: Learn and move on

Race Psychology

Bathurst 1000 Mindset

  • Hours 1-3: Survival mode
  • Hours 4-6: Find rhythm
  • Final Hours: Controlled aggression
  • Last Hour: Everything matters

Pressure Management

  • Following: Don't overdrive
  • Leading: Trust your pace
  • Lapped Cars: Extra patience
  • Fatigue: Recognize and adapt

The Mountain Mindset

Success at Mount Panorama comes from respecting The Mountain while pushing your limits intelligently. Every lap is a privilege, every clean lap an achievement. Build your speed progressively, never exceed your comfort zone, and remember: The Mountain always wins in the end. Your job is to delay that inevitability as long as possible while extracting maximum performance.

Conquering The Mountain

Mount Panorama stands alone in motorsport - a circuit that combines the challenge of a street circuit with the speed of a permanent facility, all while climbing a mountain. It rewards bravery but punishes stupidity, demands precision but offers no forgiveness.

Your Path to Mountain Mastery

  1. Respect Above All: The Mountain has claimed many - approach with humility
  2. Build Progressively: Speed comes through confidence, confidence through repetition
  3. Master the Mountain Section: This defines your lap time and survival
  4. Understand Your Limits: And stay within them, especially in races
  5. Learn from Others: Watch, study, and apply proven techniques

Remember, Mount Panorama is more than a race track - it's a rite of passage in Australian motorsport. Every driver who masters The Mountain earns a special place in racing history. Approach it with respect, build your speed methodically, and savor the incredible experience of conquering one of motorsport's greatest challenges. When you can lap Mount Panorama quickly and consistently, you've achieved something truly special in sim racing.

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