The story of this place
On March 17, 1938, the first motorcycle roared around Mount Panorama, beginning a love affair between Australia and motorsport that continues today. But the mountain's story is far older: the Wiradjuri people called it Wahluu, meaning 'to watch over', and it was an initiation site for young warriors. According to Dreamtime stories, the warrior Wahluu was killed by his brother over a woman, and his blood caused a volcanic eruption that formed the mountain.
The 6.213-kilometre circuit is a public road when not racing—residents actually live along the track. The circuit drops 174 metres from its highest to lowest point, with grades as steep as 1:6.13. The Chase, added in 1987, is one of the fastest corners in world motorsport, with drivers approaching at 290 km/h. Sixteen competitors have died on this mountain, including 1967 Formula One World Champion Denny Hulme.