Calls for more racing to address Mount Panorama speeding problem
But when the country's best drivers are not tackling the track made famous by the Bathurst 1000, it is a public road where increasing numbers of drivers are being caught speeding.
According to NSW Police, since the beginning of the year there have been 111 speeding offences on the mountain, 11 of which involved drivers more than 45kph over the 60kph speed limit.
Almost 100 of those incidents occurred on Conrod Straight, with a provisional driver caught doing 128kph earlier this month.
In May, a learner driver was detected allegedly travelling at 149kph at the same location.
"Despite its racing heritage, the rules apply just like they do anywhere else," Acting Inspector Jason Marks said.
"Drivers are ignoring these warnings and treating Mount Panorama like a racetrack, putting themselves and others at risk.
"It is deeply troubling and concerning."
The Bathurst Light Car Club hosts track day events on Mount Panorama-Wahluu, with a section of the circuit closed to allow drivers to test their skills in their own vehicles.
President Neville Lin believes the events could provide a solution to the speeding problem.
"If we could have more of the one-day events, you would get all the street racers off the street, they would be in a controlled environment," he said.
Acting Inspector Marks has backed the plan.
"If you want to go fast, get behind the wheel and do those extreme speed limits, sign yourself up to the light car club," he said.
"There are a lot of safety measures that go in place for things like that."
Five motor racing events involving a full closure of the circuit can be held on Mount Panorama-Wahluu each year.
The Bathurst Light Car Club holds a further five events annually with a partial track closure but is hoping to increase that number.
However, club vice-president Scott Sims said it "costs an extraordinary amount" to host an event at the mountain compared to other circuits such as Eastern Creek in Sydney.
"You can go down there and run for about four hours at Eastern Creek for about $280," he said.
"You can do as many laps as you want.
"We can't compete, and we're losing a lot of guys."
But Mr Sims said nothing could compare to the thrill of racing around one of the greatest circuits in the world.
"You are on the edge the whole time.
"The circuit is unique because you go up and down hills, there are blind corners.
"It is the best feeling you will ever get."
Deputy Mayor Ben Fry said Bathurst Regional Council was exploring all options to try and commercialise the racetrack.
"We spend $4 million to make $4 million on this asset every year," he said.
Last year Cr Fry visited the Nurburgring motorsport complex in Germany and other racetracks in Europe to investigate ways the council could generate more income from the circuit.
"Are there opportunities for drive days, manufacturer partnerships, advertising, films?" he said.
"This is the most famous motorsport track in the Southern Hemisphere and should be used as much as possible."
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