Bathurst fiasco as drivers forced to take test requiring flawless score
Drivers gearing up for this year’s Bathurst 1000 faced a unique hurdle before even hitting the tarmac.
They had to complete a mandatory 31-question regulation test that proved so bizarre, multiple drivers reportedly turned to ChatGPT to get them through.
Ralf Aron suffered a broken back in this horror crash during the Bathurst 12hr. FOX Sports
Motorsport Australia mandated the driver theory refresher for every driver competing at Mount Panorama, requiring a flawless 100 per cent score before anyone was cleared to race.
“Safety is paramount,” the governing body said.
“The Mount Panorama track presents its own particular challenges, one being only three current opportunities to race on the track.
“With this in mind, Motorsport Australia developed a drivers regulation refresher test for all drivers competing at Mount Panorama events.
“All drivers must complete and achieve a 100 per cent pass prior to starting the events.
“The intention is to bring to front of mind various rules including flag states and safety car regulations.”
While the test was standard across the Bathurst 12 Hour, Bathurst 6 Hour and the Bathurst 1000 event, it proved to be a significant roadblock in the paddock.
One driver in this weekend’s field reportedly failed the exam three times, as others turned to artificial intelligence to secure their perfect scores.
The governing body’s heightened focus on safety follows a horror year on Mount Panorama.
Recent events have been marred by severe accidents, which includes a terrifying crash at the Bathurst 12 Hour that left driver Ralf Aron with a broken back and a highly controversial incident involving Grant Denyer at the 6 Hour.
Last year’s victor, Garth Tander, won’t be lining up in 2026 for the “crazy, chaotic” race.
Garth Tander (right) poses with the team after winning the 2025 Bathurst 1000. Getty
“Maybe when the cars roll out for practice later in the week, I might start getting just a little bit anxious,” he said of his emotions on the sidelines.
“I had the chance to sit back and watch all of last year’s race, but I’ve watched like a cut-down edited version of the race with all the highlights in it. And that went for about four hours, just all the highlights.
“So that sort of tells you that was a pretty chaotic one, and it was. Bathurst always has this incredible ability to create…just crazy, chaotic classics.”
The Bathurst 1000 weekend will begin with practice and media sessions on October 8, with The Great Race to begin on October 11 at 11:30am AEST.
