2015 Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour: 6-8 February

[TCR]

I understand the relevance and importance of a category like FF, and what the support categories mean to the event. Sure the likes of Senna, Schumacher, Webber and a gaggle of V8 Supercar drivers made their mark in FF, but the cars just don't excite me.

I know it very rarely happens because of finances, politics or whatever, but I'd like to think that the promoters made some consideration about what support cateogries the paying spectators actually want to see. If no one ever expressed their opinion about them, how would they know?

I know Richard watches this forum, but perhaps I chose the wrong place to express my opinion, sorry.

[peckstar]

Originally Posted by TCR

I understand the relevance and importance of a category like FF, and what the support categories mean to the event. Sure the likes of Senna, Schumacher, Webber and a gaggle of V8 Supercar drivers made their mark in FF, but the cars just don't excite me.

I know it very rarely happens because of finances, politics or whatever, but I'd like to think that the promoters made some consideration about what support cateogries the paying spectators actually want to see. If no one ever expressed their opinion about them, how would they know?

I know Richard watches this forum, but perhaps I chose the wrong place to express my opinion, sorry.

Is there a support category that people would truly want to see? All the quality categories are booked elsewhere.

[Sheep Stations]

The paying public argument wears gladwrap thin these days. There are elements of the Melbourne F1 and V8 rounds entertainment package that bore 7 shades of shite out of me but those same elements contribute to the success and longevity of the event...its called racing, in all its shapes and sizes.

I just don't get the unnecessary and grossly subjective shite-canning of the FF category. I know its a forum and free speech etc but its like one of my kids saying they don't like the number 57 or yellow capsicum. Best left unsaid...

[sizzle]

Originally Posted by Sheep Stations

The paying public argument wears gladwrap thin these days. There are elements of the Melbourne F1 and V8 rounds entertainment package that bore 7 shades of shite out of me but those same elements contribute to the success and longevity of the event...its called racing, in all its shapes and sizes.

I just don't get the unnecessary and grossly subjective shite-canning of the FF category. I know its a forum and free speech etc but its like one of my kids saying they don't like the number 57 or yellow capsicum. Best left unsaid...

Yep

[Belly13]

FF do more for me than the Radicals did this year.
So looks like FF, IP and HQ/Gemini's...I've seen worse.
Would love to see NSW Prod Touring on that weekend mixing it up with AMC for a 2/3 hour race.

[Sheep Stations]

What also needs to be considered (if not already known) is that promoters call for expressions of interest from support categories...and I think your answer on why certain categories are the supports for B12 lies in actual positive response from enthusiastic category managers prepared to stump up the required $$ for the track time.

Some of your noisier, 'prettier' categories probably didn't hit the keyboard or pick up the phone...or felt they were so special they shouldn't have to pay...or worse still, have a reputation for not paying on agreements.

Just sayin'...

[Notso Swift]

IP is confirmed, deposit paid

IP are actually asked to come, but that doesn't mean we get a free spot, it means that they will not give it away.The fact that IP has been there for 6 years, always has good fields, good racing (except when Hislop runs away) and doesn't have a history of causing red flags is part of it.
As above we pay the deposit when the contract is signed, so 8 months in advance. most smaller categories can't find the 15k in wedge to do that. At the B12h you buy the grid, the organisers don't care if you turn up with 20 Radicals or 50 IP, bigger fields are better but clean running of the 12h is most important

[Reload]

Originally Posted by Sheep Stations

What also needs to be considered (if not already known) is that promoters call for expressions of interest from support categories...and I think your answer on why certain categories are the supports for B12 lies in actual positive response from enthusiastic category managers prepared to stump up the required $$ for the track time.

Some of your noisier, 'prettier' categories probably didn't hit the keyboard or pick up the phone...or felt they were so special they shouldn't have to pay...or worse still, have a reputation for not paying on agreements.

Just sayin'...

Would say that it would be common knowledge at least by members on here that your comments are 100% correct and unfortunately that's why one of my favourite categories being Sports Sedans are not on the program

[Reload]

Originally Posted by Notso Swift

IP is confirmed, deposit paid

IP are actually asked to come, but that doesn't mean we get a free spot, it means that they will not give it away.The fact that IP has been there for 6 years, always has good fields, good racing (except when Hislop runs away) and doesn't have a history of causing red flags is part of it.
As above we pay the deposit when the contract is signed, so 8 months in advance. most smaller categories can't find the 15k in wedge to do that. At the B12h you buy the grid, the organisers don't care if you turn up with 20 Radicals or 50 IP, bigger fields are better but clean running of the 12h is most important

The variety of IP makes the category enjoyable for me and the battles at the front last year were great to watch which was attributed to the demise of Hislop. Looking forward to the Celica/ Monaro battle.

[Reload]

Originally Posted by Reload

Had some correspondence with Mok Weng Sun over the last couple of days and no surprise that they are definite starters for next year and in the Ferrari. Wonder whether the McLaren was tossed up ? Full driver line up not confirmed at this stage which may be a surprise to some as these guys have been pretty much locked in as soon as the race is over. Would think that Griffin and Baird in particular would be on quite a few teams wanted list.

Mok's words today " likely to include 1 or 2 Ferrari factory drivers". Does the "2" mean that Baird isn't an automatic starter as in previous years ?

[jd yort]

Originally Posted by Reload

Would say that it would be common knowledge at least by members on here that your comments are 100% correct and unfortunately that's why one of my favourite categories being Sports Sedans are not on the program

I have only read brief mentions of it but the organiser was apparently jacked around last time. Plenty of people put up their hands at the time but many were lowered by race weekend causing many a headache. When the entry list was first published remember it had the likes of Baily and Ricciardello. Steven Lacey seemed to of got the numbers together for the 2015 Easter meeting a little easier to date. If only it could be made a Rd of the Kerrick National series.

As the event continues to grow, you would think it will become harder to get your category on the grid, I just hope the opportunity is not lost for Sports Sedans in the future. IP always put on a good show and hopefully will be there many a year to come.

Sports Sedans should strike a deal with Prod Sports where they alternate each year between the 2 festivals. The perfect program for me would have IP, Sports Sedans, Prod Sports and Heritage Touring Cars.

[rich07]

Originally Posted by Reload

Mok's words today " likely to include 1 or 2 Ferrari factory drivers". Does the "2" mean that Baird isn't an automatic starter as in previous years ?

Griffin would be one so that leaves room for Bairdo

[Reload]

Originally Posted by rich07

Griffin would be one so that leaves room for Bairdo

Not if he gets 2 Ferrari factory drivers ?
Does there come a time when Baird does a CL and starts looking elsewhere ?

[scudd]

Originally Posted by Reload

Mok's words today " likely to include 1 or 2 Ferrari factory drivers". Does the "2" mean that Baird isn't an automatic starter as in previous years ?

Nando and the iceman?

[Reload]

Originally Posted by scudd

Nando and the iceman?

Now that would be a coup

[rich07]

Whoops totally forgot about the new driver rules in class A. I still think Matt Griffin will be one of the factory drivers as he is the guy with most experience of the 458 GT3 and actually helped to develop it. Add in Mok and that leaves one. Bairdo might indeed be left out which would be a massive shame as one of the best drivers in the field.

[Reload]

Originally Posted by rich07

Whoops totally forgot about the new driver rules in class A. I still think Matt Griffin will be one of the factory drivers as he is the guy with most experience of the 458 GT3 and actually helped to develop it. Add in Mok and that leaves one. Bairdo might indeed be left out which would be a massive shame as one of the best drivers in the field.

Would be interesting to have been a fly on the wall at this years 12 hour and whether Baird was all for the qualifying tactics used and subsequently not turning a single lap during qualifying and on race day ?
Could put your house on Griffin being on board unless another gun international factory team grabs him ?

[racer69]

As for the supports, i personally prefer variety so the likes of IP and previously Sports Sedans were fantastic.

Having said that i've no problems with FF1600 or HQ's....perhaps make the HQ races sprints rather than an enduro though?

Originally Posted by Reload

Would be interesting to have been a fly on the wall at this years 12 hour and whether Baird was all for the qualifying tactics used and subsequently not turning a single lap during qualifying and on race day ?
Could put your house on Griffin being on board unless another gun international factory team grabs him ?

The Clearwater team (including Baird) were all sitting together out the front of Rydes bar on the Sunday night this year with many a laugh being had, so on face value they all seemed to be on good terms.

I'm sure they were all bitterly disappointed, but i'm also sure that Baird knows its not his money that was being spent & the team owners were doing what they thought would lead to a result.

Baird will get a leading drive somewhere if he doesn't land at Clearwater again.

[scudd]

Originally Posted by rich07

Whoops totally forgot about the new driver rules in class A. I still think Matt Griffin will be one of the factory drivers as he is the guy with most experience of the 458 GT3 and actually helped to develop it. Add in Mok and that leaves one. Bairdo might indeed be left out which would be a massive shame as one of the best drivers in the field.

mok will struggle to drive at a decent pace for 3 hours.

he's a lot happier at Sepang than Bathurst.

[D.R.T.]

Originally Posted by racer69

Baird will get a leading drive somewhere if he doesn't land at Clearwater again.

I would think the Mok, Baird & Griffin combo would be pretty safe for 2015

[GTRMagic]

Wanna drive...

[jd yort]

I have nothing but complete admiration for Henley and that RX8. Since he bought it he has pretty much raced it at every possible meeting across 3 States. Sydney drivers struggle to make the effort to go to Wakefield, yet Bruce brought the RX8 up for the run. For those that have not heard it live, the sound it makes is incredible.

The 12hr organisers should pay his entry fee to get it there.

[Reload]

Originally Posted by jd yort

I have nothing but complete admiration for Henley and that RX8. Since he bought it he has pretty much raced it at every possible meeting across 3 States. Sydney drivers struggle to make the effort to go to Wakefield, yet Bruce brought the RX8 up for the run. For those that have not heard it live, the sound it makes is incredible.

The 12hr organisers should pay his entry fee to get it there.

Former Patrick Dempsey car and seeing that the Sports Sedans aren't on the card, cars like this will make up for it.

[peckstar]

SUPPORT PROGRAM

Formula Ford - 2 races of ten laps
Radicals 1 race of 6 laps and 1 race of 15 laps
Improved Production- 2 races of ten laps

[peckstar]

SEVEN TO BROADCAST FULL BATHURST 12 HOUR

The coverage will be split between 7mate and the main Seven channel, with “at least the final three hours” to be broadcast on the latter.