Everyone will always remember their first Bathurst experience and for 21-year-old Jack Kennedy, this month’s 62nd edition will be no different.
Despite many motor sport fans heading to Mount Panorama for the first time to watch Australia’s greatest race as spectators, Kennedy’s first visit will be as one of the 463 CAMS registered officials – giving him the best seat in the house.
Taking part in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 as a Flag, Track and Communications Marshal, Kennedy was excited to get out and see the iconic destination with his own eyes for the first time.
“This will be the first time at Bathurst ever and I am really excited,” Kennedy said.
“I will be camping with my dad at the track which is cool, so we will head up early and scope the place out. Otherwise, it’s going to be a case throwing myself in the deep end and soak it all in as we go.
“I don’t have too many expectations about Bathurst. I know it’s going to be cold and by the Sunday I am probably going to be tired, but I think that will be overshadowed by the fun I will have.
“I have watched the Bathurst 1000 every year for as long as I can remember so being able to go and get involved on the day is something I am really looking forward to and something I won’t forget.
While the Victorian will be an official at Bathurst for the first time, he does have some valuable experience as a motor sport official at the highest level, volunteering the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019 and the 2018 RABBLE.club Sandown 500.
However before Kennedy even attended these major events, he already had a major understanding of the heart and soul of motor sport, taking part in a 2018 Young Officials training program.
“I did the Young Officials program last year and it was a great experience,” Kennedy explained.
“I was able to see all the different areas within motor sport officiating and it gave me a greater understanding of the intricacies of the sport. It also helped me understand motor sport from an official’s perspective.
“I like getting involved in things, which is why I joined up as a CAMS official, so my favourite thing about the program was being able to see all the different roles, speak to different people and get the full experience of a race meeting.
“It was great fun and I am sure Bathurst is going to be fantastic. Although I will have done big events by the end of the year, I would like to expand my horizons and go do a few local rounds soon.”
The Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 takes place at Mount Panorama on 10-13 October with the main race to start at 11:30 on Sunday 13 October AEST.