GWS Motorsport will be making a two-car, two-class BMW attack on this weekend's Dial Before You Dig Australian Six Hour at Eastern Creek Raceway.For the event, Peter O'Donnell will be stepping up to the outright class aboard a BMW 335i, enlisting the driving services of Australian motorsport legend John Bowe.
The car has an incredible pedigree; in the hands of its previous car owner Garry Holt, it was a multiple Bathurst 12 Hour and Australian Championship winner.
Bowe of course needs no introduction, the former Bathurst, Touring Car, Sports Car and Gold Star champion also won February's Bathurst 12 Hour, as well as the last production car endurance race held at Eastern Creek, a 12 Hour in 1995.
Allan Shephard remains in his regular BMW 130i, recruiting the driving talent of Garth Duffy for the inaugural Six Hour.
O'Donnell comes into the meeting on a high, having finished on the outright podium of the Australian Manufacturers Championship at the most recent round at Phillip Island aboard his former BMW 130i.
"I've never done a six hour before, I'm a bit apprehensive, but very excited at the same time," Peter O'Donnell said.
"We've decided to run with two cars, the logistics of running three cars was just too hard.
"John is all lined up and ready to go, I can"t wait to see him behind the wheel, he's a legend in this game.
"He's extremely quick behind the wheel, so the plan of attack is for him to get in on Friday, give us a set-up and a baseline to work off for the weekend.
"I've had a few runs in the car now, so I'm feeling more and more comfortable in it every time, our recent test day at Eastern Creek went very well.
"The last time out at Bathurst, this car came out on top from the Mitsubishis, but Eastern Creek is a very different circuit, it will be very interesting to see where the car stacks up against the competition.
"It's going to be exciting, I love long distance racing, and I can't wait!"
Shephard meanwhile is looking forward to a return to long distance racing with a new co-driver.
"Garth's a fast new driver for the GWS team, and at the recent test day he slotted in very well," Allan Shephard said.
"He has raced with Garry Mennell in the past, and he was very competitive in the Commodore Cup, so we're happy to have him on board.
"Eastern Creek is a very demanding circuit, it's hard on tyres, so being able to conserve your car over the long stints is going to be key; the smaller class cars are always a chance of knocking off some of the outright entries.
"In testing we've sorted out a few things with the car, we've had an absolute minimum of issues; it puts us in great stead.
"I think the little BMW 130i will definitely be a force to be reckoned with."
The race on Sunday will be broadcast live over the internet, with the stream available from www.thenationals.com.au/australian6hour/.
GWS Personnel Motorsport and True Blue Motorsport would like to thank The Shire Conveyancer, Spinifex Australia and Briffa Smash Repairs for their continued support in the Australian Manufacturers Championship.
