This year will be Tony Hawton’s  31st visit to the Bathurst races ... and it’s unlikely to be his last.

‘I’m 57 and I might sound crazy but I just love the Bathurst races. I want my ashes spread over Mount Panorama when I die.’

“In 1969, a friend bought an XW GT Ford Falcon. I drove it and just had to have one. I fell in love with Fords then and I’ve loved them ever since.

I can’t get enough of [the Bathurst races]. I even told my daughters they can’t get married when Bathurst is on.

Since 1983, a group of friends and I have camped in an area behind the pits. You’re in the heart of it all ... and so much happens.

Our campsite is well known because I apply for 12 campsites every year. My mate Steve from Oberon and I spend most of Saturday and part of Sunday setting the camp up. From the time we set up camp the adrenalin is pumping.

I’ve just got to be there. For a month before I’m packing and getting set up. I’ve met about 90 drivers over the years. I think the Ford and Holden guys are all very approachable. The best year for me was 1994 when Dick Johnson and John Bowe won the race. I was an ardent fan. I stood at the back of their garage area for an hour and a half, chewing my fingernails. When they won, the emotions got to me. I jumped the fence and cuddled Jill Johnson and shook Dick’s hand and walked down Pit Lane as if I was part of them. I remember Jill said to me: ‘We’ve won this for guys like you.’

I get into friendly arguments with Holden lovers, but nothing ever heated or cranky. Some of my mates couldn’t believe how Peter Brock’s death affected me. I told them, ‘We’ve always hated what he’s done to us [Ford fans], winning all the time, but he’s entertained us over the years ... ’

My garage is covered in Ford memorabilia. I couldn’t put a price on it. The Dick Johnson 1994 front spoiler would be the most valuable item and a Glenn Seton bonnet with his autograph on it would be one of my prized possessions. I’ve had stuff signed by Allan Moffat and he said, ‘You’ll make a lot of money out of these.’ I said, ‘Mate, while I’m alive they will not leave my premises.’”