CALLS for a better Bathurst 1000 street parade have been answered, in part, with the return of the driver parade for the first time since 2012.
Last year’s lacklustre transporter parade attracted a poor showing of people and drew criticism from many Western Advocate readers.
Bathurst Regional Council was urged to return to the previous parades of floats, bands and marching girls.
Typical of the reaction was Melanie Klootwijk’s post on the Advocate’s Facebook page: “Let’s be honest, it’s not a parade, it’s a convoy of trucks. I can see that on the highway.”
Both drivers from each of the 27 teams will be involved in the parade, travelling in a variety of sports cars.
“This is the first time since 2012 that drivers have participated in the parade, and this will create even more interest in this popular event,” mayor Gary Rush said.
“The drivers are a very integral part of it all ... it used to be done years ago and we’ve worked hard to re-introduce it.”
Race Week fell during NSW school holidays last year, which was also a factor in the lack of numbers to watch the transporter parade.
Two driver signing sessions will take place following the parade, each containing different drivers.
The transporter and driver parade up William Street will start at 11.30am.
