Another year, another October, and another Bathurst 1000. With Jeremy away on holiday this year, it is up to me to introduce the race. For those who don't know about it and haven't joined us for live commenting, the Bathurst 1000 is an annual touring car race for Australian V8 Supercars. The annual race in October has been run on the spectacular 6.2km Mount Panorama circuit since 1963 which makes it older than me.

The town of Bathurst is a smallish country town a few hours west of Sydney and race cars don't often get an outing on the circuit. This track really is spectacular, and a car breaker, rising 174m over the course. The race is over 161 laps, usually taking just over 6 hours.

I have already written how this race introduced me to motor sport as a youngster. If you get a chance, check out this Youtube Clip. One of my earliest memories, and one I will never forget. There always seems to be some drama at the track.

The race this year is again part of the "V8 Supercar championship" (very understated that), which is contested between local Ford (blue) and Holden (red) teams. We don't like making things too complicated, so two types of cars is it these days, and you are either in one camp or the other. The championship this year is still up for grabs, with ex Jaguar F1 test driver, James Courtney in a Ford leading ahead of Holden's two time champion Jamie Whincup. Both are well in the top 10 after qualifying.

I'm looking forward to seeing the 888 Vodafone car (it's just like F1 really) of Craig Lowndes and Mark Skaife go for the win. Some of you may recall that Lowndes was once an F3000 team mate of that NASCAR driver Juan Montoya. You might also recognise the name of ALMS star David Brabham going around today. 888 is not the only British influence, with the pole sitting Ford Perfomace car of Mark Winterbottom run by Prodrive.

Although run at sprint pace, this is an endurance race, and we can expect action and drama aplenty. Pace cars will keep things tight. Unlike Suzuka, the weather looks fine, so it should be fast and furious on the mountain. Enjoy!