GWS Motorsport finished the inaugural Dial Before You Dig Australian Six Hour at Eastern Creek Raceway last weekend with first and second place results in their respective classes, with the outfit's pair of BMWs never missing a beat during the new endurance race.Peter O'Donnell debuted his recently acquired BMW 335i, sharing driving duties with motorsport legend John Bowe, with the pair winning Class B by an incredible 17 laps, finishing fifth outright and the first of the non-all wheel drive cars over the finish line.
The team's BMW 130i was piloted by regular driver Alan Shephard and Commodore Cup racer Garth Duffy, with the pair falling only 30 seconds shy of the Class C victory after a late race stop for fuel.
"It was a top weekend, it was our first time in the new car and to win our class was fantastic," Peter O'Donnell said.
"During the race we had some trouble with tyre grip, and around Eastern Creek we were never really in the race against the EVOs, so our result was as good as we could hope for.
"All credit must go to John (Bowe) and Garry (Mennell), there were no problems all weekend long; the car was as strong at the end of the race as it was at the start.
"Sharing the weekend with JB was simply awesome.
"Having his presence around the garage and his data was invaluable, even at dinner on Saturday night, he was fully involved in everything we did, and inspired the whole crew.
"To be able to drive in a major event with a hero of mine was something I'll never forget.
"The On Track Motorsport crew were on the money, they were right up there with the most efficient and professional crews in pit lane.
"The car was very strong all weekend long, we had incredible fuel mileage during the race, I think that shocked a lot of people.
"Alan and Garth had a blinder, if it wasn't for their splash and dash they would have been on the podium.
"We've now had a couple of out best ever race meetings in a row, we can now really look forward the championship continuing at Morgan Park in August."
For Bowe, the meeting was his first racing under the GWS Motorsport banner.
"It's a terrific car, it really is a pleasure to drive"" John Bowe said.
"We struggled a bit for grip throughout the race; the car is probably better suited to Bathurst than Eastern Creek.
"It was the first time I've had a chance to race with Peter, and it was a great experience, everyone in the team was most welcoming, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend.
"I love these long distance races, why wouldn't you want to be here, it's a great event."
Shephard meanwhile was pleased to come within a whisker of taking out class honours.
"The weekend was sensational, and we were only 30 seconds away from winning the class at the end of six hours of racing," Alan Shephard said.
"It it wasn't for only five litres of fuel, we would have made it onto the podium.
"Garth was tremendous all weekend long, we really couldn't have asked for much more from him, he fitted right in and was quick from the first practice session.
"After the first pit stop there was a fuel spill in the car, which after a little while made me as sick as a dog, that didn't really help our cause.
"We changed the strategy a bit after the second stop, tyres were a bit of a struggle all day long, and we nearly made it in the end.
"Garry Mennell and the On Track Motorsport guys were sensational, all three cars in the team were going like trains, the team work was fantastic and the cars never missed a beat.
"The Shannons Nationals and the McGills should be congratulated on the effort they put into the meeting, it can only grow from here."
The Dial Before You Dig Australian Six Hour will be shown on SBS Speedweek this Sunday at 1:00pm, and next Wednesday evening on Fox Sports' Inside Speed program, check your local guides for broadcast details.
The Australian Manufacturers Championship continues at Morgan Park Raceway in Queensland on August 14-15, before finishing the season at Sandown Park on October 23-24.
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.
