Yes, it's time for Australia's favourite car race Bathurst.

Sheds and backyards throughout Macarthur will be filled with Bathurst fans who couldn't make it to the historic Mount Panorama circuit.

The discussion around the backyard barbies from those with petrol flowing through their veins usually revolves around whether Holden or Ford will be the winner of the 1000-kilometre classic race.

Last year's winners, Ford drivers Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup, look favourites to repeat their on-track feats this year, according to my well-informed, self-confessed petrol-head barber, Danny of Danny's Hairdressing Salon in Camden.

Apart from a school holiday session, when he's cutting hundreds of children's hair, this Sunday is Danny's biggest day of the year and he'll be cheering on the Fords.

He and thousands of other like-minded motor racing fans will be rubbing their hands in anticipation of sitting in front of the telly for six hours, scrutinising the race blow-by-blow with their mates.

My first recollection of Mount Panorama was in 1992 when I lived in Wagga Wagga, but had to work in Bathurst for a week.

Two of my workmates said they would take me for a spin around the circuit.

My knuckles were white and clenched to the dashboard of our work vehicle, a 1975 model Bedford van, as we tore up the track, hammering down the big dipper at 30kmh.

My next visit to the historic track was only a few years ago.

This visit was made more special as I stopped the car to read comments on the ``Holden Wall'' about how people missed motor racing legend Peter Brock.

Usually motor racing tracks are enclosed and unaccessible to the public, but Mount Panorama has another drawcard. It plays host to thousands who visit each year to drive around the track.

Many readers have told me they just watch the first few minutes of the Bathurst race just because they love the roar of the engines on the starting grid. But many others settle themselves in for the whole race.

Which type of viewer are you?

Let me know your most memorable Bathurst experiences online at:

www.wollondilly advertiser.com.au.