Hot Lap - Mount Panorama by Scott Whelan

Mount Panorama, Bathust from the view of a V8 Supercar driver...

1. Exiting Murray's corner, is like a slingshot, you shoot onto the short Pit Straight. As I cross the start finish line, I glance across at the team on the wall to check the pit board.

2. Hell Corner requires full attention, its very easy to lock up the brakes as there are a few bumps on the entry we use all the track plus to get as much speed as possible for the climb up mountain straight very important for a good lap time. Many competitors use this corner for some great passing moves.

3. Mountain straight provides a good safe over taking area the cars seem to get airborne as you grab 4th gear and drive over the hump just before the signboard across the track with your back wheels just breaking traction.

4. Griffins Bend - the track becomes tight. This is another bumpy section and under brakes the car sometimes becomes unstable its also another place where corner speed is crucial. Approaching the cutting the track is very steep, the car gets very close to the rock cliff face as we exit the cutting, and attack the steepest part of the track for a reasonable lap time traction out of this corner is essential.

5. Approaching Reid Park, this is a section of track where you can have an accident all by yourself. There is a large tree covering a section of the road with a big bump that has taken out many drivers over the past years. You drive into Reid Park the car lifts off the ground for a second. There is a water grate on the track that has to be avoided.

6. Going to the rise at McPhillamy Park at around 180km/h, you have to look out for signals from the flag marshals, as the driver can not see over the rise. The tail of the car breaks lose, and can lead you into the fence if your not paying 110% attention.

7. A short straight that sees the car reach 200km/h and leading to Skyline, where all you can see is the skyline.

8. You jump on the brakes and slide down through the esses, dramatically slowing to take the Dipper, here the car becomes airborne, almost touching the guardrail as you exit.

9. Forrest's Elbow - Has often caught out the best of them Dick Johnson exiting and Jason Bargwanna entering come to mind, it can be a dangerous section of track and must be treated with respect, also many cars seem to reach the Elbow at the same time, and we are all looking for a good run on to Conrod Straight.

10. Conrod Straight - if there is no traffic, this straight can be a great time to relax and make sure the car is running fine (i.e. fuel, temps, etc) and talk to the crew about pit stops etc.

11. The right hand entry to the chase is totally heart in mouth stuff as we reach 300kph with heavy braking required as you exit the kink and set up for the hard left then right and get back on the power to take you to Murray's corner.

12. Murray's corner - hard on the brakes again takes you onto Pit Straight, to complete another lap of Bathurst.

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