Bathurst has been transformed into a sea of support for Craig Lowndes, before one of the biggest weeks in the Supercars veteran's career.
The 2018 event is Lowndes' 25th race at Mount Panorama and his last as a full-time driver.
The popular 44-year-old made the decision to call time on his career earlier this season, in conjunction with his team Red Bull Racing.
Lowndes will be back on the Mountain as a co-driver to either Jamie Whincup or Shane van Gisbergen next year.
That hasn't stopped an influx of Lowndes-mania hitting the town, the scene of Lowndes' six triumphs in the Great Race.
Local businesses have laid out shop window displays celebrating his career.
Lowndes face masks are available on entry to the circuit.
Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup celebrate their 2007 Bathurst win.
The local council has jumped on board, bestowing honorary citizenship on the Melbourne-born champion – previously bestowed on just six motorsport greats, including Lowndes' late mentor Peter Brock.
"It's a great honour," Lowndes said.
"It was amazing to get a phone call and be accepted in that way.
"I don't know what the benefits are but as my wife said if we get the key to city, hopefully it opens a good restaurant."
Lowndes is a sentimental favourite for Sunday's 1000-kilometre classic.
His six race wins have come with four different co-drivers and in both Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons.
Lowndes said he expected the emotion of leaving the sport to hit home at the season-ending Newcastle meet but was in doubt of the significance of this weekend.
"Seeing the famous white rock, that's when the butterflies kick in. It's one of the biggest weeks of my racing career," he said.
"Since [the announcement in] Townsville the fan base has been really good.
Hats off: Craig Lowndes has laid claim to ruling Mount Panorama many a time, and has attracted a strong following over the years as a result.
"They've been very supportive of the decision.
"Knowing we'll be back at Bathurst and the year after, it's probably not as emotional as Newcastle will be.
"Hopefully everyone does come up here and give us a great opportunity to win another one."
IN HIS OWN WORDS: CRAIG LOWNDES ON BATHURST
1996 – Lowndes paired with Greg Murphy to win on his third visit (Holden VR Commodore): ‘‘You always remember your first one. At the time, I thought I might win it every year but it took me another 10 years to win it. I was in the right car, with Murph and the right team at the right time. Since then, every time you get a chance to be on the podium or win a race, you really embrace it.’’
2006 – Teamed up with Jamie Whincup to win Bathurst just weeks after the death of Peter Brock (Ford BA Falcon): ‘‘We all went to Bathurst that year knowing it was going to be big. And there’s no doubt it will be the most emotional one for me with the reasons behind it all. To be the first name on the Peter Brock trophy was very, very special.’’
2007/2008 – Completed a historic three-peat with Whincup, the first since Brock and Jim Richards 1978-80 (Ford BF Falcon): ‘‘The 2006 race set up the three-peat, which hasn’t been done too many times. It was a great opportunity to be part of that era and to pair with Jamie through it was fantastic.’’
2010 – Lined up with fellow legend Mark Skaife, breaking a long-standing speed record under adversity (Holden VE Commodore): ‘‘Skaife popped a rib out and I had to do a triple or a four-length stint. He physically couldn’t get back in the car. Luckily Bathurst is not a huge physical circuit, it’s more mentally draining. We had a great battle with Jamie. He was good enough to concede and basically do a formation finish. It was unbelievable to do that.’’
2015 – After racing Steven Richards for two decades, the pair combined and won from 15th on the grid (Holden VF Commodore): ‘‘We struggled in the lead-up for car set-up. We chased it through practice sessions and qualifying didn’t go to plan. We were still quietly confident because you don’t need to be on pole, you just need a fast car at the right time. As the day unfolded the car got faster and suited the conditions.’’
AAP
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