International motor racing icon Jacky Ickx, renowned for his 1977 Bathurst 1000 victory, has made a triumphant return to Mount Panorama. Thrilling fans and reliving past glories, Ickx took the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept for its first-ever global racetrack debut, cutting a series of exhilarating laps around the legendary circuit.
Jacky Ickx and the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept
Spanning decades and multiple racing disciplines, Ickx’s illustrious motorsport career made him the perfect choice to debut the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept on track. As part of the build-up to the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race, the Belgian racing legend showcased the power and elegance of this striking Genesis concept car, captivating the audience with its stunning design and dynamic performance.
The Gentleman Disruptor and the Genesis GV60 Magma Concept
Known within Genesis as the “Gentleman Disruptor,” Ickx also had the opportunity to drive the GV60 Magma Concept, an all-electric luxury vehicle that signals an exciting new chapter for the Korean brand. With production set to commence later this year, the GV60 Magma will be the first Genesis Magma model available for purchase.
Genesis has ambitious plans to introduce high-performance Magma models across its production lineup, ensuring a perfect fusion of aesthetics and performance.
A Legendary Track Revisited
Returning to Mount Panorama after more than 45 years, Ickx’s familiarity with the iconic circuit was evident.
“It’s been a while, but like all the world’s greatest racing circuits—Monaco, Nürburgring, or Spa—Mount Panorama has barely changed over the years,” said Ickx. “They’ve added a kink in the Conrod Straight for safety, but it remains an incredibly challenging track with dramatic elevation changes.”
Reflecting on his experience with the Genesis concepts, Ickx was thoroughly impressed.
“The X Gran Berlinetta Concept is a wildly powerful and loud machine—an absolute thrill to drive. I could tell the crowd loved the spectacle. By contrast, the Genesis GV60 Magma Concept was an entirely different experience—quiet but immensely powerful. The instant torque of modern electric vehicles is something truly special. It’s a world apart from the Ford Falcon I drove here last time—and significantly faster.”
Honoring Bathurst’s Legacy
In addition to his track time, Ickx reunited with the very Ford Falcon XC V8 that he and Allan Moffat drove to victory in the 1977 Bathurst 1000. In a touching tribute to Australian motorsport history, he presented the original 1977 Bathurst 1000 winner’s trophy to Bathurst Town Mayor Robert Taylor. At the request of Moffat, the trophy will be permanently displayed in the National Motor Racing Museum at Mount Panorama, alongside the legendary Falcon XC V8.
A Motorsport Legend’s Lasting Impact
Ickx, who turned 80 on New Year’s Day, began his motorsport journey in 1960 with motorcycles before transitioning to Formula One in 1967. Throughout his career, he claimed eight Grand Prix victories, 25 podiums, and a record-breaking six wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. His enduring legacy in endurance racing and his iconic Bathurst victory continue to inspire motorsport fans worldwide.
With his return to Mount Panorama and his thrilling laps in the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept and GV60 Magma Concept, Jacky Ickx once again cemented his status as a true racing legend. His presence at Bathurst 2024 was not only a celebration of his historic achievements but also a glimpse into the future of high-performance motoring with Genesis.
