2012 Bathurst 12 Hour - 24-26 February

[ff s conscience]

Originally Posted by pplater

News from the Ferrari camp:


I give it an F.
It doesn't help that photo provided with the press release rightly displays the Danish flag alongside Simonsen's name on the Ferrari's roof. I would have expected Dominik and Allan's first names to a mention (particularly as Peter and John were there), but they're tricky to spell so maybe those were left out.
I should add that cum isn't a dirty word when used in combination, for example bedroom-cum-study.

Embarrassing isn't it. MM are incredible really, in many ways

The latest Ferrari cub magazine has a line something like "due to our time spent at the Michelotto factory the car is great"

Made me laugh that one, especially as no technical staff even went

[Shane001]

Better hope they don't catch on fire lol

http://smh.drive.com.au/motor-news/a...221-1tkeb.html

This was the Chinese model though

[Belly13]

Will try and get up there on Wednesday afternoon to have a look, see who is here/not here. Have been told from a reliable source to expect 31 cars.

[mtpanorama]

Class No Competitor Driver 1 Manufacturer Model
A
23
Lago Racing R.Lago/D.Russell/W.Park Lamborghini LP 600 GT3
A
4
Consolidated Chemicals T.Huglin/C.McConville/P.Kox/L.Searle Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560
A
17
Maranello Racing A.Simonsen/D.Farnbacher/J.Bowe/P.Edwards Ferrari 458 GT3
A
33
Clearwater Racing (Intl) M.Weng Sun/C.Baird/M.Griffin Ferrari 458 GT3
A
1
Phoenix Racing 1 (Intl) C.Mies/D.O’Young/C.Jons Audi R8 LMS
A
2
Phoenix Racing 2 (Intl) C.Lowndes/W.Luff/M.Eddy Audi R8 LMS
A
22
United Autosports (Intl) M.Patterson/A.Li/F.Yu Audi R8 LMS
A
21
Black Falcon 1 (Intl) R.Wilson/SP.Breslin/V.Mehta/SP.Breslin Mercedes Benz SLS AMG
A
20
Erebus Racing T.Slade/J.Bleekemolen/P.Hackett/B.Curtis Mercedes Benz SLS AMG
B
66
Motorsport Services (Intl) Thomlinson/A.Dippie/M.Maddren Porsche 996 GT3 Cup
B
65
Motorsport Services (Intl) S.O’Donnell/B.Niall/S.McLennon Porsche 997 GT3 Cup
B
3
Tinkler Motorsports N.Tinkler/S.Johnson/S.Richards Porsche 997 GT3 Cup
C
10
Simply Sports Cars A.Gowans/R.Meins/C.Lillington-Price Lotus Exige S
C
62
Robert Thomson R.Thompson/C.Klien/S.Harley Lotus Exige S
C
54
Anthony James Alford A.Alford/P.Leemhuis/A.Beechey Nissan R35 GTR
D
68
Motorsport Services (Intl) D.Glasson/D.Roderick/A.Harris BMW 135i
D
67
Motorsport Services (Intl) T.Murphy/A.Head/J.De Veth/L.Scott BMW 135i
D
53
James Atkinson R.Newman/D.Lillie/J.Atkinson Holden HSV GTS
D
28
GWS Personnel Motorsport P.O’Donnell/ C.D’Agostin/G.Duffy BMW 335i
D
7
Dean Herridge D.Herridge/J.O’Dowd/A.Kennard Subaru WRX Sti
E
27
GWS Personnel Motorsport A.Shephard/K.Booker/C.Oberhauser BMW 130i
E
26
GWS Personnel Motorsport R.Gartner/T.Prior/A.Chapel BMW 130i
E
91
Mark Bell M.Bell/A.Dodd/A.Zerefos Ford Falcon XR8
E
50
Racer Industries S.Pye/E.Barbour/C.Pither HSV VX-R
I
35
Ric Shaw A.Bollom/J.Parish/TBA Mazda RX-7
I
80
Beric Lynton B.Lynton/J.Modystach/B.Cook Mini Cooper S JCW
I
14
Red Camel Jordans (Intl) I.Breukers/H.Thijssen/M.Bailey Seat Leon TDI
I
32
Michael Caine M.Caine/G.Murphy/J.Pollicina Mazda RX-7

[TCR]

No Mosler or Z06 Corvette?

[Axeman444]

Originally Posted by TCR

No Mosler or Z06 Corvette?

nope:

http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/02/21/...12-hour-field/

[peckstar]

so 28 cars. 2 more than last year which is good

who is the G Murphy in the 32 (RX7)

edit just saying that i asked and then Speedcafe print a list, probably just a coincidence

[Belly13]

Can understand O'Conner Lotus and Salmon Mosler, but Corvette withdrawing?
In other news, great to see Garth Duffy get a ride in the 335i with O'Donnell and D'Agostin. He's a good young driver. Class D will be anyone's without the Evo.
Still looking forward to an exciting race.

[D.R.T.]

Originally Posted by TCR

No Mosler or Z06 Corvette?

That is highly disappointing.

Still good quality up front in the GT3 ranks and will be a great weekend, but still disapointing to see those vehicles drop out.

[KSM86]

wow only 28 cars is very dissapointing!

[Reload]

Originally Posted by KSM86

wow only 28 cars is very dissapointing!

It is after a very encouraging start regarding entries. I heard plenty of people stating that there would be some late entries (even after Dubai), however its gone the other way with a number of late withdrawels.
I think that some punters are disappointed because at one stage it appeared that we were going to have a 40 + car field and with a lot of quality, however that hasn't eventuated.
Personally, if you had told me straight after last years race that we would have the current list of starters for the 2012 , i would have been pretty excited.
The organisers, motel and restaurants will have my money, so onwards and upwards

[racer69]

Originally Posted by KSM86

wow only 28 cars is very dissapointing!

Especially for us spectators... there will be alot of empty tarmac to look at, especially when the safety cars pull in

A far cry from the mid-40s that the race attracted in 2009 and 2010.

[KSM86]

Originally Posted by Reload

It is after a very encouraging start regarding entries. I heard plenty of people stating that there would be some late entries (even after Dubai), however its gone the other way with a number of late withdrawels.
I think that some punters are disappointed because at one stage it appeared that we were going to have a 40 + car field and with a lot of quality, however that hasn't eventuated.
Personally, if you had told me straight after last years race that we would have the current list of starters for the 2012 , i would have been pretty excited.
The organisers, motel and restaurants will have my money, so onwards and upwards

good points. We would of had the mustang and a ford gt but they both couldnt repair the car in time for this years race. ahh well next year when we have an entry list guess its safe to say you have to Minus 4 cars.

This race needs Aussie Gt3 support! simple!

[rich07]

Originally Posted by ff s conscience

Embarrassing isn't it. MM are incredible really, in many ways

Embarrassing? That PR release is absolutely pathetic. You would think the team's pr person/people would know the correct nationality of all their drivers. I'd expect that from a third party like a mainstream sports journalist but from your own team, thats inexcusable. And dont get me started on the spelling errors. Someone deserves a good kick up the behind for that one.

Originally Posted by Axeman444

nope:

http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/02/21/...12-hour-field/

No Mosler or Corvette? Thats really disapponting. I was looking forward to seeing how a Mosler would go in Salmon's hands, hopefully better then last year . Any ideas as to why for the withdrawals?

[GTRMagic]

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM..................

[6.213km]

Very very disappointing.

I will still be there watching, and it will still be a very enjoyable race.

Quality not Quantity.

But lets face it, the race organisers have a big problem if they cannot grow this field.

It's an absolute joke, that a long distant endurance race around the best motor racing circuit in this country, and one of the best in the world, cannot attract cars from its local series.

Politics once again, could potentially kill off what could be an amazing event.

We lost the 24 hour because of bad rules and sport sedan Monaros.

Local parties with interests in doing what is best for GT3 racing in this country should sit down and sort out a solution with the organisers of this event.

We need local AND international cars in this race for it to be a success.

The race in its current form will not survive. 40+ GT cars is what it needs to be truely great, and that is just a starting point.

I have been a keen supporter of the 12 hour since 1991. 24Hr in 02/03, and the current 12hr races.... why is it we never quite get there guys ?

I understand you were hard done by last year by the rules T.Quinn. But ill be honest, you wouldn't of won anyway against the might of Audi even with a second seeded driver. Throw the ego's out and be a pioneer in making this race truely great. Get the rules changed, do what the competitors as a whole want, I really don't care, just dont stuff this damn race up again.

Its frustrating to watch.

Bathurst is a special place, the 12hr / 24 hr is a special race.

[KSM86]

Originally Posted by 6.213km

Very very disappointing.

I will still be there watching, and it will still be a very enjoyable race.

Quality not Quantity.

But lets face it, the race organisers have a big problem if they cannot grow this field.

It's an absolute joke, that a long distant endurance race around the best motor racing circuit in this country, and one of the best in the world, cannot attract cars from its local series.

Politics once again, could potentially kill off what could be an amazing event.

We lost the 24 hour because of bad rules and sport sedan Monaros.

Local parties with interests in doing what is best for GT3 racing in this country should sit down and sort out a solution with the organisers of this event.

We need local AND international cars in this race for it to be a success.

The race in its current form will not survive. 40+ GT cars is what it needs to be truely great, and that is just a starting point.

I have been a keen supporter of the 12 hour since 1991. 24Hr in 02/03, and the current 12hr races.... why is it we never quite get there guys ?

I understand you were hard done by last year by the rules T.Quinn. But ill be honest, you wouldn't of won anyway against the might of Audi even with a second seeded driver. Throw the ego's out and be a pioneer in making this race truely great. Get the rules changed, do what the competitors as a whole want, I really don't care, just dont stuff this damn race up again.

Its frustrating to watch.

Bathurst is a special place, the 12hr / 24 hr is a special race.

My my exact feelings! Audi arnt always going to come down every year.What happens when audi and the mercs dont decide to come? 20 car fields? might aswell have the 12 hour at eastern creek.

Would be good if maybe James Obrien can try and bring a factory nissan team down to coincide with nissans 1st year in v8s.

[rich07]

Maybe if Audi and Mercedes werent there it may encourage others to enter, knowing that they may have an increased chance of victory? Just a thought...

Mind you, I think its great having teams of the calibre of Phoenix and Black Falcon in the field. Wish others like AF Corse and Reiter would join the party.

[D.R.T.]

Hopefully BMW's announcement as the safety car provider may lead to something for 2013

[rich07]

Originally Posted by D.R.T.

Hopefully BMW's announcement as the safety car provider may lead to something for 2013

I read that on Speedcafe wishing I could swap the M5 for a Schubert Z4

[KSM86]

from the emails i was getting from schubert motorsport they were looking at the event very carefully but they wanted sponsorship money. personally i couldnt care if the safet car was a bloody toyota yaris! i want a field of at least 35 cars.

[porsche91722]

Could make for an interesting finish, if the late showers eventuate.
http://www.weather.com.au/nsw/bathurst

[pplater]

Originally Posted by 6.213km

It's an absolute joke, that a long distant endurance race around the best motor racing circuit in this country, and one of the best in the world, cannot attract cars from its local series.

Politics once again, could potentially kill off what could be an amazing event.

We lost the 24 hour because of bad rules and sport sedan Monaros.

Agree re: politics. O'Brien has ticked off plenty of people in the last few years, for more reasons than just GT eligibility. Proddie stalwarts like Bob Pearson and Garry Holt want little to do with him or the race. Pearson has a ton of cash tied up in three Evo Xs, two VIIIs, a Lotus Exige, Mazda RX-7 and enough spares to run the things non-stop for a month. But where is he?

Looking back at the 24 Hour, I wouldn't say it died because of rules or the Monaros, more that the show was run by Ross Palmer and his investment in the sport dried up rather suddenly.

Originally Posted by 6.213km

Local parties with interests in doing what is best for GT3 racing in this country should sit down and sort out a solution with the organisers of this event.

We need local AND international cars in this race for it to be a success.

The race in its current form will not survive. 40+ GT cars is what it needs to be truely great, and that is just a starting point.

Yep, the grid needs to expand, and I'm coming around to the GT-only argument. We won't have the ideal scenario of 2010's bumper proddie field mixed with a dozen or more exotics, and it's increasingly clear the production guys can't justify their expense with a run for class honours.

It would seem that Clipsal next week, plus management woes and the questionable timing of a pre-season test have hurt the local GT grid. But the international GT contingent of Black Falcon, Clearwater, Phoenix and United Autosports is very strong.

How many internationals did we have for B24? Cirtek Porsche, Rollcentre Mosler, the Morgan... not the grid we'll see this weekend anyway.

Originally Posted by 6.213km

I have been a keen supporter of the 12 hour since 1991. 24Hr in 02/03, and the current 12hr races.... why is it we never quite get there guys ?

I understand you were hard done by last year by the rules T.Quinn. But ill be honest, you wouldn't of won anyway against the might of Audi even with a second seeded driver.

I thoroughly admire the Quinn's investment and involvement in the sport. They were a little disadvantaged both by the seeding situation and weight (and other...) restrictions placed on the Porker. It should have been closer than we saw, but then again those R8s probably could have turned it up to 11 and run low 2m7s instead of pacing themselves.

B24 too was a little unfair for the Quinns in '03, with the (apparently) fiercely fettled Falken 996 "Cup" taking third from a stock VIP cup car. Hopefully '13 is a lucky year, and they can get the job done in that magnificent new 458.

Originally Posted by 6.213km

Throw the ego's out and be a pioneer in making this race truely great. Get the rules changed, do what the competitors as a whole want, I really don't care, just don't stuff this damn race up again.

Here here. Bathurst is truly special, hopefully this race can become something great... and hopefully it doubles in length too!

[ff s conscience]

Originally Posted by pplater

. ... and hopefully it doubles in length too!

You'll struggle to get even half the interest from the long haulers, if you double the race length.

24hrs is exponentially harder to finish than a 12hr, and the massive risk of DNFing after such a huge spend will stop them coming.

I actually think splitting the 12 hr into 2x 6 hours over 2 days might encourage more to come. Two entirely separate races.

[Senna05]

I don't know if it is that the B12hr needs to be set alot earlier in the callendar sense than other local series due to international interests, but a earlier Feb date to reduce a clash with Clipsal might well increase the field.

For me, the total field may have only grown a little (with lower classes shrunk somewhat) but the increase in international interest with the increase in Class A cars, has me interested.

If we can get to 15-20 Class A-B cars next year, with 10-15 others, I'd be tempted to make the trek. I choose to remain upbeat about this race, as I feel that it will offer a great compliment to our motor racing year as it grows.