MORE THAN A DOZEN expression of interest forms have been received from international competitors looking to compete in the 2011 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race at Mount Panorama.
This has been matched by strong domestic interest from competitors in both the Australian GT and Production Car ranks, the 2011 event already shaping up to be a blockbuster following the move to allow eligible vehicles from the Australian GT Championship into the race for the first time.
With 31 marques and more than 100 different models on the eligibility list, administrator Jodi Zylstra said the scope for a wide array of competing vehicles was massive.
“Its early days yet – entries haven’t even opened – but we have received a lot of interest from people looking to race at the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour in 2011,” she said.
“I was receiving excited phone calls and emails from teams in Great Britain, mainland Europe and the United States as soon as word got out that GT cars would be eligible. The response is very positive and shows that, even though it’s early days, we can expect a large and competitive field to race in February next year.
“Bathurst is recognised internationally and a lot of teams from abroad want to make the most of a rare opportunity to race there. Local competitors from Australia have also been in touch so it is looking like it’s going to be a great Australia versus the World battle for the win.”
Event director James O’Brien will continue to undertake a comprehensive marketing program to attract interest from potential competitors and was also present at the recent Australian six-hour Production Car race held at Eastern Creek, receiving a mainly favourable response from competitors.
“We always knew that some would be turned away by the addition of the GT cars,” O'Brien said, after speaking to the Production Car competitors.
“However the feedback I received last weekend was overly positive and I am confident we will see a very strong and competitive Production Car contingent at the Armor All 12 Hour next year.
“Those cars have helped build the event to where it is today and they remain an integral component to it, so we look forward to welcoming many of them back for another shot at Bathurst glory in 2011.
“I’m also not surprised about the interest we have received to date from both here and abroad,” he added.
“The appeal of racing a Lamborghini, Ferrari or Porsche in a world-class Enduro at one of the world’s best and most famous circuits is a big drawcard.”
The 2011 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour will be broadcast on digital free-to-air sports channel ONE HD, following a new partnership between the event and the rapidly-growing broadcaster announced last month.
Vehicles from the Australian GT Championship will join with vehicles from the Australian Production Car Championship totalling 31 manufacturers eligible to compete in the around-the-clock Enduro at Mount Panorama on 4 to 6 February 2011.
More information about the 2011 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour can be found on the event’s new website; www.bathurst12hour.com.au
