OzRacingWrap

12 overseas entries will make the 2012 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour the most ‘international’ race to be held at Mount Panorama since the 1987 Bathurst 1000 that doubled as a round of the World Touring Car Championship.

A 32 car field has entered to take the starter of the February 26 race, the second to be held under regulations that allow international GT3-specification vehicles to enter. Last year Audi finished 1-2 in the race, though the outright field is substantially deeper this time around and looks set to offer a much sterner challenge for the outright win.

Reigning International winning team, Team Phoenix Racing in their Audi R8 who finished 1-2 in the 2011 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour will return this year with the same team configuration of International Drivers Mies, O'Young and Jons and a team of local drivers featuring 5 time Bathurst 1000 winning driver Craig Lowndes, Warren Luff and Mark Eddy.

There will be increased competition this year in the top class with international teams fielding more exotic entries such as the mighty Lamborghini Gallardo and Mercedes SLS AMG

Aussie fans won't be disappointed however with  nine past and present V8 Supercars drivers including Tim Slade, Steven Johnson, Steven Richards and John Bowe all competing throughout the 32 car field.

Organisers were also proud to announce today that all grandstand seats for the February event have now sold out but plenty of General Admission tickets remain all across the circuit.

Promoter James O’Brien said he was pleased with the way sales were progressing – with more than a month remaining until the February 24-26 Event begins.

“Pre-sales are tracking higher than they were at the same time last year and the fact the main grandstand is sold out reflects the growing interest in the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour,” He said.

“This is not an Event that traditionally has a significant pre-sale component to ticketing, our attendance is from walk-ups across the weekend and from people making a weekend of it – but this year it seems more people are making sure they get in early.

“Camp site and corporate hospitality bookings are also very healthy. There is still a lot of work to do and a long way to go but we are pleased with the response to the 2012 Event so far.”

Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour spectators have unparalleled access to facilities and the teams, with paddock entry free to spectators across the weekend. Big Screen coverage is provided on pit straight with cameras around the circuit and a dedicated commentary team ensuring not a moment is missed.

In addition to children under 12 being admitted free of charge, in 2012 all secondary school students will also be admitted free of charge on producing their student ID.

Tickets are available online at Ticketek.

Full entry list: