After a torrid last year where his racing future was uncertain, two-time Bathurst 1000 champion Will Davison is excited to be back at Mount Panorama.
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Davison originally started the 2020 season with the 23Red Racing team, but after the major sponsor pulled out after two races, he was left without a race team and only managed one more drive - a co-drive at last year's Bathurst 1000 in NSW's Central West, where he finished second alongside Cameron Waters.
He was given a lifeline this season, being offered a gig with Dick Johnson Racing and he's excelled in his new team, currently third in the drivers championship heading into the final round at Bathurst.
He believes this week will be one of the biggest weeks of motor racing in Bathurst's history.
"Any chance or opportunity you get to drive at this circuit is invaluable but it you get it at both ends of the spectrum," he said.
"You've got amateur drivers that are living their life-long dream driving here at Mount Panorama and aspiring professionals trying to work their way through the ranks.
"For all these people to drive at arguably the best race track in the world, on the same bill, is really exciting."
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He's also thrilled to have fans back at the track, after last year's crowd severely restricted due to COVID-19.
"Being here this year in November and December is a lot different to your usual October. Everyone has learnt to be flexible in the past couple of years and obviously this is a huge priority event for us but for fans as well," he said.
"It's a traditional event, that we have to be here. We got it done last year and certainly the intensity in the car and in the garage was no different, but it was a surreal feeling seeing the hills so empty.
"It's going to be a special week. Everyone has learnt to not take everything by granted. Live sporting events, like the Bathurst 1000, are going to be bigger and better than ever.
"I can't wait to see the hill lined and the camp grounds full."
He said it's also great to see the campers back in town.
"I've been here a week, so I've seen people role in late last week," he said.
"What a thing to do. Maybe when I've stopped racing I might come sit up on the hill. There's some amazing set-ups and you always see some wild and whacky innovations up at the Mount.
"It's what makes this event so special and even when I was here as a young fella, I'll just never forget some of the sites I've seen up at the Mount.
"I love it and I love that everyone is here, camping with their friends and family, while watching some pretty cool motor racing."