Bathurst 1,000 preparations are in full swing.

Drivers completed the first three practice sessions today.

Chaz Mostert topped the timesheets with the fastest ever set, in an opening practice session.

Carissa Kemp reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Thousands of fans have already started to pour into Mount Panorama.

Two hundred thousand people are expected over the weekend.

Police are warning they won’t tolerate bad behaviour and alcohol related violence.

And on the track plenty of drama in the first practice session.

It was a rocky start for 20-11 champion Garth Tander.

Four-time champion Jamie Whincup remains the clear favourite.

Craig Lowndes looked on as partner Steve Richards took the wheel.

Dedicated fans say they’re excited to get started.

Vox 1: “It’s just a wonderful place the mountain is, to the atmosphere, the people.”

Vox 2: “Well I’ve been coming here for 51 years.”

There’s a lot of focus on the all female pairing of Simona de Silvestro and Renee Gracie the first in 17 years.

Qualifying rounds begin tomorrow afternoon.

Carissa Kemp, QUT News.