2022 Supercheap Auto Bathurst International, Official Program by networkr

Event

Program

WELCOME TO MT PANORAMA/WAHLUU

ON THE EVE OF THE INAUGURAL BATHURST INTERNATIONAL, WELCOME TO MT PANORAMA/ WAHLUU AND WE PAY OUR RESPECTS TO THE LAND OF THE WIRADJURI PEOPLE, PAST, PRESENT AND EMERGING.

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

ENJOY YOUR TIME AT THE BATHURST INTERNATIONAL JOINTLY PROMOTED by Australian Racing Group (ARG) and Council, the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International is the newest annual event to be held on the world-famous Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit on November 11-13. An event of this calibre will bring an international focus to the racing circuit featuring cars and drivers from all over the globe. Mount Panorama has a reputation as one of the best racing circuits in the world. The international exposure of this event will elevate Mount Panorama’s prestige and showcase the racing circuit and Bathurst to a global audience. A series of off-track events will be held to complement the activities on the track and bring people together in our CBD.

CIRCUIT TO CITY: THURSDAY 10 NOVEMBER, 4PM – 8PM. • See the cars from the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International in Kings Parade • Meet the drivers and get signings • Food trucks • Live music CONCERT IN MACHATTIE PARK: SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER, 12NOON – 9PM

CR. ROBERT TAYLOR

Mayor of Bathurst

• Licenced event • Food trucks • Free, games and entertainment for the kids • Big stage with live music by Baker Boys Band supported by local acts • Interactive games and entertainment Funded by the NSW Government Reconnecting Regional NSW Grant I look forward to welcoming the patrons of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International to our beautiful city and with so much to see and do, I encourage visitors to stay a little longer and explore everything that Bathurst and the surrounding region has to offer. Cr. Robert Taylor Mayor of Bathurst

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

THE ULTIMATE SHOWROOM

SHOWDOWN

7 – 9 April 2023 bathurst6hour.com.au

THE WAIT IS OVER W

elcome to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International. It has taken us a while to officially say that. There’s been a lot of anticipation and preparation for it. We’ve overcome some delays with the COVID-19 pandemic, but we’re here, we’re ready and we are excited. There are a number of great individuals and organisations who have helped bring this together, none more so than the Bathurst Regional Council. They all love the Mount Panorama circuit, and we should all congratulate them for expanding the amount of major events held at the track from four to five to include the Bathurst International on its roster. Race fans, teams and drivers love coming to the track, and having one

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

KEN COLLIER Event Director,

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

more event – particularly one like ours that is bringing the world’s best racing categories to it – should be applauded. We are also fortunate to welcome Supercheap Auto back to Bathurst as the naming-rights partner of a motorsport event here. The Supercheap Auto branding has been seen across the pit straight bridge before, and we are pleased to give them the opportunity to realign with the circuit we know they love. As they say, they are going to ‘Make It Super!’ Our seven categories that will compete are also very enthusiastic about this race meeting, and I’m pleased that we are going to have big fields for local and international drivers to experience. Also, I need to pay a special mention to the officials and volunteers that will be here over the weekend. They are the lifeblood of motorsport. We can’t do it without them, and I know the great effort that they put in to make it happen. To you all, thank you. So now, after three years of hype, we’re ready. This is the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International, and we trust that you will all enjoy some great racing around Australia’s best race track. Ken Collier Event Director

WELCOME TO THE SUPERCHEAP AUTO BATHURST INTERNATIONAL M

ount Panorama, Bathurst has a special place in the hearts and minds of motorsport fans. Supercheap Auto is super proud of its long association with the famous circuit and the events there, and we are excited to be the title partner of the inaugural Supercheap Auto Bathurst International. Our history with Bathurst is about more than just racing on track. It’s about the community and the race fans, a relationship we’ve enjoyed for the best part of two decades. The Bathurst International is a new exciting event on the Australian motorsport calendar, bringing together the best global motorsport categories, along with some of our home-grown Australian favourites. The diverse range of categories opens up the opportunity for drivers and teams from around the world to come and sample a truly bucket-list circuit. Any motorsport lover anywhere in the world knows what Mount Panorama is and what it stands for. It’s the most iconic track in Australia and arguably in the world. While I’m looking forward to seeing all of the racing over the

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

BENJAMIN WARD

Managing Director, Super Retail Group (Auto)

three-day event, the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series is the one that I’m really looking forward to. TCR racing is emerging as one of the most popular forms of motorsport around the world. With over 30 national and regional championships held across the globe, the turbocharged touring cars are market relevant, dynamic, and best of all, produce exciting and unpredictable motorsport. For 2022, we’re going to see the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series come down to the wire, with as many as six drivers in with a chance of claiming the title. There’s no better place to crown our 2022 series winner than at this legendary circuit. A special shoutout and thank you to each and every motorsport volunteer and official making this event possible. We wish all of the drivers, teams, event organisers and officials the very best for the inaugural Supercheap Auto Bathurst International. We have no doubt that they will all MAKE IT SUPER. Benjamin Ward Managing Director Super Retail Group (Auto)

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EVERYBODY LOVES A PARADE BATHURST TO COME ALIVE WITH ‘CIRCUIT TO CITY’ PRE-EVENT PARADE

s many as 40 of the race cars competing in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International will visit the town of Bathurst in a ‘Circuit to City’ parade on Thursday evening of the event (November 10). Cars from all of the seven racing classes will travel via police escort from the Mount Panorama circuit to Russell Street in the heart of the regional town to showcase the global variations of race cars that will tackle the famous circuit on November 11-13. A variety of machines representing all corners of the world will meet the fans in the city of Bathurst, including cars from the TCR Australia Series, GT World Challenge, Touring Car Masters, Trans Am, Porsche Sprint Challenge, Production Cars and the Prototypes. The free event will start at 4pm AEDT on Thursday, November 10. Event director Ken Collier says that bringing the cars to the CBD is an exciting feature of the inaugural Supercheap Auto Bathurst International. “It’s going to be fantastic to bring some of the best cars from the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International to visit the centre of town and mingle with the locals and race goers,” said Collier. “These types of events have been done before, but never in the afternoon for a twilight session. “I feel that the atmosphere will be brilliant at that time of day, and it should

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

mean that people can come down and see our cars, and then move into town to the restaurants and bars for their dinner. “There will be plenty of extra activities to do on Russell Street. Fans will be able to get up close with the cars, the stars and have an afternoon of fun and activities.” Mayor Robert Taylor is equally enthusiastic. “We are proud to partner with the Australian Racing Group to bring the Circuit to City to our CBD,” said Cr Taylor.

“Along with the impressive display of cars there will be driver signings, food trucks and live music. “This event will bring people together and provide an economic boost to businesses in our city centre.” Other activities at the Russell Street venue will include local entertainment, food vans and driver signings. Once the cars return to Mount Panorama under another police escort, teams will undertake final preparations ahead of the first on track action that starts on Friday morning.

FORREST’S ELBOW

DIPPER DIPER

ESSES ESSES

SKYLINE SKYLINE

REID PARK

CONROD STRAIGHT

REID PARK

CONROD STRAIGHT

GRIFFIN’S BEND

THE CUTTING

TUNNEL

Accreditation Office

THE CHASE

CHASE BRIDGE

MURRAY’S CHASE BRIDGE CORNER

MURRAY’S CORNER

NATIONAL MOTOR RACING MUSEUM

PADDOCK CAMPGROUND

COMPETITORS CONTRACTOR’S PARKING YARD

THE CHASE

NATIONAL MOTOR RACING MUSEUM

CONTRACTOR’S YARD

PADDOCK CAMPGROUND

COMPETITORS PARKING

OUTER PADDOCK

MOUNTAIN STRAIGHT

OFFICIALS CAMPGROUND

INNER PADDOCK

PARK INNERHARRIS PADDOCK

ENTERTAINMENT ZONE

Main Gate Accreditation Office First Aid

Medical Centre

Site Manager

Main Gate

Grandstand

First Aid

Super Screen

Site Manager

Fuel Compound

OFFICIALS CAMPGROUND

OUTER PADDOCK

Medical Centre

Grandstand

HELL CORNER

Scrutineering Toilets

Super Screen

Fuel Compound Supply Compound ShowersScrutineering Food

Toilets

Bar

Supply Compound

Merchandise Showers Media Centre Food Event Office

Bar

General Parking

Merchandise

HARRIS PARK ENTERTAINMENT ZONE

VIP Parking

Media Centre Accessible Parking Event Office General Parking VIP Parking

Accessible Parking

FRIDAY 11 TH NOVEMBER START FINISH

CATEGORY

DURATION

SESSION

7:20

7:40

Australian Prototype Series

0:20

Race 3

7:45

8:00

S5000 Display

0:15

Display

8:05

8:35

Australian Production Cars

0:30

Race 4

8:45

9:10

Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters Series

0:25

Race 2

9:25

10:15

Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series

0:50

Race 2

10:30

10:35

Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS 0:10

To Grid

10:40

13:40

Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia Powered by AWS 3:00

Race

13:45

14:00

S5000 Display

0:15

Display

14:05

14:30

Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters Series

0:25

Race 3

14:40

15:20

Turtle Wax Trans Am Series - Trans Am Bathurst 100

0:40

Race 3

15:30

13:45

Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series

0:05

Pre-Race

15:45

15:50

Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series

0:05

Formation

15:50

16:40

Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series

0:50

Race 3

HOW TO WATCH THE SUPERCHEAP AUTO BATHURST INTERNATIONAL TV TIMES

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Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

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THE WORLD AT OUR FEET BATHURST’S HISTORY IS MADE OF TOURING CAR LEGENDS, AND AT THE SUPERCHEAP AUTO BATHURST INTERNATIONAL, AUSTRALIA’S GLOBAL TURBO TOURERS ARE SET TO CONCLUDE A THRILLING TITLE FIGHT.

ince the TCR category debuted locally three years ago, it has continued to grow in professionalism and highlighted the talent depth in Australian motorsport. Developed in 2014, the TCR regulations have spread across the world rapidly and will enter a new era in 2023 with the introduction of the TCR World Tour. The two-litre formula using a Balance of Performance system using engine power, ride height and weight to equalise each homologated model has proven to be an exciting addition to the motorsport world both locally and internationally. An exciting development emerging from TCR South America was the introduction of the Toyota Corolla GRS TCR as a homologated model, already winning races ahead of a full campaign in 2023. Supercheap Auto TCR Australia has quickly been recognised as one of the most competitive globally, with six manufacturers represented on the grid including two of the latest generation models, the Audi RS3 LMS TCR and Hyundai Elantra N TCR. The inaugural Supercheap Auto 16

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

Bathurst International marks the conclusion of an exciting third season where the frantic racing TCR is renowned for was clearly demonstrated at each round this season. After finishing as runner up in 2019, Honda Wall Racing’s Tony D’Alberto leads the standings entering the final round at Bathurst by 46-points to Jordan Cox in the Swyftx GRM Peugeot, who rated inside the top 10 TCR World Rankings for drivers. With more points on offer at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International, the title is wide open. Inaugural series winner Will Brown re-joined the battle this season in the MPC Team LIQUI MOLY Audi and remains a chance at the title, so too HMO Customer Racing’s Josh Buchan as he gives the Elantra N TCR its local debut at Bathurst. Spicers Australia-supported privateer

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THE INAUGURAL SUPERCHEAP AUTO BATHURST INTERNATIONAL MARKS THE CONCLUSION OF AN EXCITING THIRD SEASON

Zac Soutar has been a revelation this season in his Honda Civic Type R TCR, taking his maiden victory at AWC Race Tasmania and running top five in the standings heading to the Mountain. Being the first to bring the latest generation of TCR models, MPC AWC Racing’s Jay Hanson has been the fastest driver all season in his Audi, though the rising star has not fully capitalised and will be a driver to watch at Bathurst. Dylan O’Keeffe is the only GRM Peugeot driver to not win this season and he will be aiming to rectify this at Bathurst where the French brand will strong based off the results from Easter. Teammate Ben Bargwanna arrives at Bathurst as a Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series race winner following his maiden success at Sandown and his recent form at the Mountain is good having achieved pole there last year. HMO Customer Racing duo Nathan Morcom and Bailey Sweeny have each won this year, with the inaugural title winning team returning to form in 2022. Consistency hurt Morcom’s season, while Sweeny is another like Soutar to shake up the established runners after dominating Race 2 at Bathurst during Easter. Outside the top 10, heavy hitters such as Aaron Cameron returning from his successful FIA Motorsport Games campaign, Michael Caruso, James Moffat and Luke King will aim to end their seasons on a high. Adding an international flavour to the final round will be French ace Teddy Clairet in a fifth Garry Rogers Motorsport Peugeot 308 TCR. Having runs on the board in the highly competitive TCR Europe Series, Clairet is an exciting addition to the field. The Supercheap Auto Bathurst International provides the perfect conclusion to the 2022 season ahead of what is expected to be an even better one next year. 18

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

TCR AUSTRALIA ENTRY CAR#

SPONSOR/TEAM

DRIVER

STATE MODEL

2 8 9 10 11 14 15 18 20 22 30 33 34 41 50 71 110 130 999

Moutai/ZIP PAY Schaeffler GRM AWC MPC Racing Ashley Seward Motorsport HMO Customer Racing Forza Brakes Motorsport Michael Clemente Motorsport Team Valvoline GRM Peugeot Sport GRM Challenge Motorsport/MPC HMO Customer Racing Swyftx GRM LMCT+ Racing GRM Valvoline Racing GRM Honda Wall Racing Burson Auto Parts Racing Team Soutar Motorsport HMO Customer Racing MPC Team LIQUI MOLY

Luke King Dylan O’Keeffe Jay Hanson Michael Caruso Nathan Morcom Lachlan Mineeff Michael Clemente Aaron Cameron Teddy Clairet Iain McDougall Josh Buchan Jordan Cox James Moffat Kody Garland Tony D’Alberto Ben Bargwanna Zac Soutar Bailey Sweeny Will Brown

NSW VIC VIC NSW NSW NSW VIC VIC FRA VIC NSW NSW VIC NSW VIC VIC VIC NSW QLD

Hyundai i30 N TCR Peugeot 308 TCR Audi RS3 LMS TCR Alfa Romeo Giulietta Veloce TCR Hyundai i30 N TCR Audi RS3 LMS TCR Audi RS3 LMS TCR Peugeot 308 TCR Peugeot 308 TCR Audi RS3 LMS TCR Hyundai i30 N TCR Peugeot 308 TCR Renault Megane RS TCR Renault Megane RS TCR Honda Civic Type R TCR Peugeot 308 TCR Honda Civic Type R TCR Hyundai i30 N TCR Audi RS3 LMS TCR 19

GT ENDURANCE FIGHT TO CONCLUDE AT THE MOUNTAIN THE FANATEC GT WORLD CHALLENGE AUSTRALIA POWERED BY AWS ENTERS ENDURANCE MODE AT THE INAUGURAL SUPERCHEAP AUTO BATHURST INTERNATIONAL, AS THE BEST LOCAL TEAMS BATTLE AROUND THE MOUNTAIN.

s the second season of Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS enters is concluding rounds, the finale for the Motorsport Australia Endurance Championship occurs at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International. Since it was devised by the SRO in 2005, the GT3 ruleset has fast become the leading ruleset in GT racing with more than 40 homologated models racing since the ruleset began. Australia adopted the regulations in 2007, but last year further aligned itself to international racing by joining the SRO family under the GT World Challenge moniker also featured in Europe, America and Asia. The final three-hour fling for the Motorsport Australian Endurance Championship will form part of the inaugural Supercheap Auto Bathurst International. The LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour hosted the opening round where Triple Eight Race Engineering duo Prince Jefri Ibrahim and Broc Feeney took the opening sharing with Shane van 20

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

Gisbergen for Mercedes-AMG. Recently Ibrahim and Feeney enjoyed success at the penultimate sprint round of the season at The Bend, but will aim to add another trophy to Triple Eight’s vast collection. Bathurst local Brad Schumacher joined the crack Audi Sport Customer Racing Australia team at the 12 Hour and impressed to sit second in the endurance standings. Schumacher has now converted his GT Trophy Class Audi to the latest Evo II specifications to join the outright fight alongside Tim Slade in what will be a competitive combination. Triple Eight Race Engineering continues its two-pronged attack as Prince Abu Bakar Ibrahim again teams with Jamie Whincup in another Mercedes-AMG GT3. However, the Audi contingent will

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A THREE-HOUR RACE AWAITS A CRACK FIELD OF CONTENDERS TO FIGHT FOR THE MOTORSPORT AUSTRALIA ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP

be bolstered by experienced Porsche racer Tim Miles teaming with Supercars driver Jack Smith in an entry backed by SCT and Miles Advisory. Following his category return at Sandon, Marc Cini will also call on a star co-driver to share his Hallmarc Audi, with Michael Caruso completing double duty. Adrian Deitz continues his campaign in his Lamborghini Huracan GT3 prepared by Wall Racing, with a co-driver to be announced. Surprise packet Ross Poulakis is also yet to reveal his co-driver in the Harrolds Volante Rosso Motorsport Mercedes-AMG. Am Class will continue the Mercedes-AMG vs Audi battle as Michael Sheargold and Garth Walden aim for redemption at the Mountain in the RAM Motorsport/GWR Australia Mercedes-AMG GT3. On the Audi side, the brothers Koundouris James and Theo will once again share an entry at Bathurst in their Supabarn Supermarkets R8 LMS GT3 Evo II. Valmont Racing will be aiming to keep the Am Class teams honest in its GT Trophy-specification Mercedes-AMG GT3 shared by Marcel Zalloua and Sergio Peris. GT4 has been closely fought all season between two Mercedes-AMGs, with class leading driver Mark Griffith again calling on Nash Morris to partner him once again after tasting success at The Bend Motorsport Park. However, stiff competition will come from the Harrolds Volante Rosso Motorsport Mercedes AMG GT4 shared by Sam Brabham and Chris Batzios. GT racing around the Mountain always provides close finishes and this field is set to produce another piece of history. 22

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

GT WORLD CHALLENGE ENTRY CAR#

CLASS

SPONSOR/TEAM

DRIVER

CO-DRIVER

4 6 9 55 88 888 19 44 45 47 101 102 50

Pro/Am Pro/Am Pro Am Pro Am Pro/Am Pro/Am Am Am Am Am Am Am inv

SCT / Miles Advisory Wall Racing Hallmarc Schumacher Motorsport / Kelso Electrical Triple Eight Race Engineering - JMR Triple Eight Race Engineering - JMR Daimler Trucks Brisbane Valmont Racing RAM Motorsport / GWR Australia Supabarn Harrolds Volante Rosso Motorsport Harrolds Volante Rosso Motorsport Mmotorsport/Vantage freight

Jack Smith Adrian Deitz Marc Cini Brad Schumacher Prince Abu Bakar Ibrahim Prince Jefri Ibrahim Mark Griffith Marcel Zalloua Mike Sheargold James Koundouris Ross Poulakis Christos Batzios David Crampton

Tim Miles David Wall Michael Caruso Tim Slade Jamie Whincup Broc Feeney Nash Morris Sergio Pires Garth Walden Theo Koundouris Jordan Love Sam Brabham Trent Harrison

TRANS AM THUNDER ON THE MOUNTAIN EXCITEMENT ALWAYS COMES TO THE FORE WHEN THE TURTLE WAX TRANS AM SERIES HITS THE TRACK AND AT BATHURST, THIS IS ONLY EMPHASISED. GET SET FOR THE TRANS AM 100 WITH A HOT FIELD ON AUSTRALIA’S HALLOWED PIECE OF TARMAC

he thunderous sounds of Trans Am will rock the Mountain again at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International. Growing in popularity, the battle between the iconic American muscle car models Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger brings an old school feel, with a modern twist. Just like back in the late-1960s and 1970s when the original Trans Am series was at its zenith as the factory battle intensified, the current generation move around spectacularly and provide a challenge to drive. Attracting fans and drivers alike, the Turtle Wax Trans Am Series is one of the fastest growing in the country. It will be second time the Turtle Wax Trans Am 100 will be contested in an end of season celebration for the 24

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

category. Last year it was Nathan Herne taking victory in the inaugural Turtle Wax Trans Am 100 and with it the title, but having already added the 2022 series win to his trophy cabinet it will be all out attack for the young gun at the Mountain. Racing for Valvoline Team GRM in one of three Ford Mustangs fielded by the squad, Herne will go in as favourite albeit there will be competition within as the experienced Owen Kelly and

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GROWING IN POPULARITY, THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE ICONIC AMERICAN MUSCLE CAR MODELS CHEVROLET CAMARO, FORD MUSTANG AND DODGE CHALLENGER BRINGS AN OLD SCHOOL FEEL, WITH A MODERN TWIST 25

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

rookie Lochie Dalton aim to turn the tables. Kelly in particular will be a threat after being Herne’s major challenger in the title race, while another challenger is expected to be Ben Grice after a disappointing season where he had consistently the fastest package at each round as luck deserted the All American Driveline Ford Mustang driver. TPS Group/Breeze Holiday Parks-supported Brett Holdsworth will lead the Chevrolet Camaro charge as he aims to end an impressive season on a high as will Supercheap Auto’s Nash Morris. Hugh McAlister is the local hope coming from the town of Young a couple of hours south of Bathurst and has been a frontrunner all season in the McAlister Motors Ford Mustang as some new contenders enter the fray. These include the return of CXC Racing’s Dylan Thomas, Aaron Tebb in the Waltec Motorsport Camaro and the inclusion young driver Brad Gartner. In an exciting addition to the field is United States Trans Am Championship driver Robert Noarker in a Dream Racing Australia Dodge Challenger. The 18-year-old will add further intrigue to the event as he follows in the footsteps of fellow Americans Johnny Rutherford, John Andretti, Scott Pruett, James Hinchcliffe and Alexander Rossi. It’s sure to be a tough and spectacular contest for the Turtle Wax Trans Am 100, which will be the final race for the category on Sunday.

TRANS AM ENTRY LIST CAR# SPONSOR/TEAM

DRIVER

STATE

MODEL

1 03 4 6 7 13 14 20 21 22 23 26 28 44 45 54 67 68 73 93 99 777 782

Nathan Herne Ben Grice Mark Crutcher Hugh McAlister Jack Sipp Robert Noaker Jason Pryde Adam Hargraves Zach Loscialpo Brad Gartner John Holinger Jason Hassett Lee Stibbs Nick Lange Lochie Dalton Brett Niall Nash Morris Dylan Thomas Owen Kelly Aaron Tebb Brett Holdsworth Craig Scutella James Simpson

NSW VIC NSW NSW QLD USA WA QLD NSW SA VIC VIC SA QLD TAS WA QLD NSW TAS NSW VIC NSW QLD

Ford Mustang Ford Mustang Ford Mustang Ford Mustang Ford Mustang Dodge Challenger Chevrolet Camaro Chevrolet Camaro Chevrolet Camaro Ford Mustang Chevrolet Camaro Chevrolet Camaro Chevrolet Camaro Chevrolet Camaro Ford Mustang Chevrolet Camaro Ford Mustang Ford Mustang Ford Mustang Chevrolet Camaro Chevrolet Camaro Chevrolet Camaro Dodge Challenger

Team Valvoline GRM All American Driveline Crutcher Devlopments McAlister Motors SupaFSpares Franklin Road Apparel Company Goldstar Transport Local Serch / T2 Racing Tempest Solutions/Excelerate Motorsports Castec Rural Supples / MVA Racing Holinger Racing Hass Pumps Arrow Car Sales/MVA Racing Tefol Up2/11 Motorsport GRM Tribridge Holdings / STR Supercheap Auto CXC Racing/Sensational Kitchens Owen Kelly Motorsport Waltec Motorsport TPS Group/Breeze Holiday Parks Dream Racing Australia Seven82 Motors/Molytec Australia

OLD IS GOLD LIKE AIR AND BREATHING, TOURING CAR MASTERS AND MOUNT PANORAMA’S 6.213 KILOMETRES OF BEAUTIFUL BITUMEN GO HAND IN HAND.

lassic, fire-belching Muscle Cars and the Mountain – there’s not much better. It’s embedded in the very history of the place. The Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters Series returns to the Mountain at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International poised on the edge of what is shaping up as one of its best title battles yet, and the pair of Holden Torana-driving protagonists out front both carry pretty serious Bathurst heritage. Leading the charge is Queenslander Ryan Hansford, who well and truly lives up to the incredible legacy his dad, Gregg, established on both two and four wheels at Mount Panorama. 2022 has been the quietly spoken Queenslander’s best TCM season to date and a winning weekend at Sandown last time out was enough to edge him five points clear at the top of the TCM standings. The driver he passed is, of course, John Bowe – the six-time TCM champion who continues to be the benchmark everyone else needs to chase should they wish for title success in the category. 28

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

Bowe and Hansford have had some great duels this season aboard their four-door Torana’s, bringing back memories of the former aboard a Shell Falcon, taking on the latter’s father in a Castrol Commodore at the very same location. Chasing both is George Miedecke – another son of a noted Bathurst gun – who

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ON THE EDGE OF WHAT IS SHAPING UP AS ONE OF ITS BEST TITLE BATTLES YET 29

has had a fast yet up and down season driving his Whiteline Racing Chevy Camaro RS. George won the opening round in Sydney, then endured two challenging events before returning to the podium last time out at Sandown in what was a comprehensive 1-2 result for the Adelaide-based team, Miedecke’s teammate Adam Bressington claiming the round overall. It ensured that he returned to third in the championship as the series heads to a place where both Whiteline Camaro’s – Bressington included – have been incredibly strong before. Steven Johnson is back in TCM and

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

back in a Mustang, too. It’s a different car to the one in which he set both the qualifying and race lap records at Bathurst in a few years back, but it should be just as fast now he’s got a round under his belt behind the wheel. Never, ever count out a Johnson at Mount Panorama. Cameron Tilley is back in his Valiant Pacer, arguably the most popular car in the series. Andrew Fisher has his GTHO Falcon back on track while Cameron McConville will make his first Masters start at place where he once scored a Great Race podium. Loud, properly fast, usually sideways and spectacular: There’s really nothing quite like TCM at Mount Panorama.

TOURING CAR MASTERS ENTRY CAR# SPONSOR/TEAM

DRIVER

MODEL

3 6 7 9 12 18 28 29 33 46 55 60 77 85 88 95 99

Danny Buzadzic Ryan Hansford Jim Pollicina Andrew Fisher Peter Burnitt John Bowe Brad Tilley Jamie Tilley Russell Hancock Leo Tobin John Adams Cameron Tilley Warren Trewin George Miedecke Tony Karanfilovski Adam Bressington Ben Dunn

Holden Torana A9X Holden Torana A9X Holden Torana A9X Ford Falcon XY GT HO Holden Torana A9X Holden Torana SL/R 5000 Ford Falcon XY GT HO Ford Mustang Coupe Ford Mustang Trans Am Ford Mustang Ford Falcon XY GT Valiant Pacer Holden HQ Monaro Chevrolet Camaro RS Ford Mustang Trans Am Chevrolet Camaro SS Chevrolet Monza

Western General Body works Multispares Racing MoCOMM Motorsport Comms Jesus Racing Depulu Wheel Reconditioners Gold Coast Rare Spares /PAYNTER DIXON Bedrug / Brad Tilley Auto Garage G&V Earthmoving/ Bedrug Hancock Racing Hillier Brothers / JT Electrical Bullet Trailers Racing Team Anglomoil Superior Lubricants SNB Berryman Racing Daimler Trucks Adelaide/Ausblue/NTI Insurance TIFS Third Party Logistics Daimler Trucks Adelaide/Ausblue/NTI Insurance Fast Meals / Bespoke Financial Advisory

S5000

UNLEASHED! LOOK OUT FOR SOME EXTREMELY FAST V8-POWERED OPEN WHEEL RACE CARS BLITZING THE MOUNTAIN IN A SERIES OF UNRESTRICTED, UNCHAINED DEMONSTRATIONS. WHAT LAP TIME CAN THE S5000S ACHIEVE?

ON’T think that just because the S5000s appearing at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International are in demo mode, they’ll be taking it easy. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. While the category might not be competing for championship points at Mount Panorama this year, they will be competing for pride and at Bathurst, everyone knows all too well that generally involves lap time. Last year requirements put in place by the governing bodies of the sport ensured the cars were required to run restricted, pegged to a ‘mere’ 450 horsepower rather than the 560 they usually produce from their 5.2 litre Ford Coyote engines. This year, the cars will run without any such restriction, creating the opportunity to go after one of the most prized things you can achieve in Motorsport: A Bathurst lap record. Last year, Aaron Cameron qualified 32

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

on pole at Bathurst in a flying 1m59.9340s. Then, James Golding punched out a stunning 1m59.8375s flyer to go quicker again, officially the fastest ever racing lap recorded at Mount Panorama, and the first under two minutes. When you consider the long history of racing at that incredible circuit, it was a hell of a moment from the young bloke from country Victoria. Can the cars go quicker? It’s more than likely. With extra poke to both head up and come down that steep hill, a year’s worth of development on the cars and some new components in

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THIS YEAR, THE CARS WILL RUN WITHOUT ANY SUCH RESTRICTION, CREATING THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO AFTER ONE OF THE MOST PRIZED THINGS YOU CAN ACHIEVE IN MOTORSPORT: A BATHURST LAP RECORD.

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

the rear end designed to improve car balance, there’s a good bet they can go a lot quicker. The target? Well, the outright

lap record at Bathurst is set at a 1m59.2910s, set by Christopher Mies in an un-restricted Audi R8 GT3. The goal this weekend is to go

quicker than that and, if the weather is good and everything goes well, there’s a good chance they do just that..

Bathurst International Program 2022

PORSCHE’S NEXT GENERATION RAPIDLY BECOMING A DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY FOR AUSTRALIAN MOTORSPORT’S RISING STARS, THE PORSCHE MICHELIN SPRINT CHALLENGE CONTINUES TO BE HOTLY CONTESTED BY YOUNG AND AMATEUR DRIVERS ALIKE

he penultimate round of Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia will feature a stacked field of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Type 991 Gen I and Gen II cars tackle the iconic Mount Panorama circuit in mid-November. This season arguably has been one of the biggest in the category’s 15-year history with the first four rounds of this year entertaining record grids at each particular circuit. For young drivers, the series is a launch pad in their pursuit of a professional motor racing career and forms the primary feeder series for Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Australia, the premier one-make championship in the 36

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

country. Several of the country’s top drivers have used Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge to gain experience in a high-performance GT car at a national level, before continuing their journey up the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid. In the Pro class, it’s been a two-horse race so far this season between Thomas Sargent and Porsche Team New Zealand driver, Ryan Wood. Courtney Prince together with fellow Michelin Junior debutants, Aron Shields and Lachlan Bloxsom, have also impressed with their pace and consistency throughout the season. Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge

”“

THIS SEASON ARGUABLY HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BIGGEST IN THE CATEGORY’S 15-YEAR HISTORY WITH THE FIRST FOUR ROUNDS OF THIS YEAR ENTERTAINING RECORD GRIDS AT EACH PARTICULAR CIRCUIT. 37

Australia is just as much about the Pro-Am racer as it is of the drivers competing for outright victory. The Morris Pro-Am class is exclusively for semi-professional drivers who do not seek to make a profession from motor racing, nor do they seek to earn an income from racing duties. Instead, the Pro-Am racers consist of business professionals with a willingness to race sports cars. This year Morris Pro-Am has been even tighter

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

than that of the Pro class, with The Bend Motorsport Park owner, Sam Shahin locked in battle with Brett Boulton. The Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Australia Series also affords drivers the opportunity to compete in the older generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991.I) cars on an invitational basis. Regardless of whether a driver is classified as a Pro or Pro-Am, all racers competing in the 991 Gen 1 GT3 Cup

cars form part of the Class B invitational class. Given the pace of the drivers at the pointy end of the Pro field this season, fans can expect to see not only the current Bathurst lap record of Tony Quinn (2m16.7271s set in 2009 in 996 generation 911 GT3 Cup car) fall, but intense on-track skirmishes in each of three classes as the championship reaches its final stage.

PORSCHE SPRINT ENTRY CAR # C/L

SPONSOR

DRIVER SURNAME

MAKE MODEL

8 23 32 40 47 59 81 88 116 2 5 11 13 22 24 35 84 87 99 100 131 34 85 91

Bullrush Rally / EBM Team Navy Sonic Motor Racing / Local Legends Team Porsche New Zealand / EBM Tegra Australia Stokes Skis Australia Tom McLennan Sonic Motor Racing / Bob Jane T Marts / True Grid McElrea Racing McElrea Racing Garage 1 Our Kloud / Up to 11 Motorsport The Bend Motorsport Park Cirrus Aircraft GRPB Racing Hyundai Forklifts Bold Living DW Motorsport Southern Star Windows EJM Financial Services Sonic Motor Racing / WRA TekworkX Motorsport Car Mods Australia Autohouse Racing

Madeline Stewart Lachlan Bloxsom Courtney Prince Ryan Wood Thomas Sargent Jason Miller Tom McLennan Harrison Goodman Aron Shields Richard Cowen Nathan Murray Eric Constantinidis Sam Shahin Andrew Goldie Pan Boyaci Indiran Padayachee Brett Boulton David Greig Ross McGregor Emanuel Mezzasalma Graham Williams Nathan Sticklen Bradley Carr Lachlan Harburg

Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup Porsche GT3 Cup

Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro Pro-Am Pro-Am Pro-Am Pro-Am Pro-Am Pro-Am Pro-Am Pro-Am Pro-Am Pro-Am Pro-Am Pro-Am Class B Class B Class B

PRODUCTION CAR BATTLE TO COME DOWN TO THE WIRE

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40+ STRONG FIELD OF PRODUCTION CAR RACERS WILL LINE UP IN BATHURST TO DO BATTLE

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

THE 2022 AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION CARS BROUGHT TO YOU BY LIQUI MOLY SEASON FINALE AT THE BATHURST INTERNATIONAL WILL SEE THE FIGHT FOR CHAMPIONSHIP HONOURS BOTH OUTRIGHT AND IN CLASS GO DOWN TO THE WIRE ON THE HALLOWED GROUNDS OF MOUNT PANORAMA.

40+ strong field of production car racers will line up in Bathurst to do battle in what is the fifth APC round for 2022, following earlier rounds at Sydney Motorsport Park, Queensland Raceway, Sandown Raceway and The Bend Motorsport Park which have featured a range of sprint and enduro race formats. Four x 30-minute races offering a total of 144 points across November 11-13 will decide no less than seven championships across the Outright Championship and X, A1, A2, C, D and E Class titles. While competition is high across all classes, in the outright standings in particular it could be anyone’s game, with no less than four contenders still in the mix heading into the final round. Leading the way is the father and sons’ combination of Wayne, Drew and Aaren Russell, who have been fielding the #58 Go-Karts-Go BMW M4 this season on 415 points. Also in contention are the A2 title

leader Chris Lillis in the #64 Cachet Homes HSV Clubsport (303 points) ahead of A1’s Jimmy Vernon in the #50 Hunter Pacific Ceiling Fans Mitsubishi Evo X (291 points). Rounding out the top four are the Sherrin brothers, Grant and Iain, who currently hold 287 points in the #27 Sherrin Rentals BMW M4. Incidentally, the Sherrins are the reigning outright champions after taking the victory in the last completed APC

season in 2019. “What a year we have had in the 2022 APC brought to you by LIQUI MOLY series,” Category Manager, Troy Williams, said. “This season has had absolutely everything, and our competitors have risen to the occasion time and time again to deliver incredible edge-ofyour-seat racing which has been fantastic to watch both in-person on-track and through the live

streaming offered at the various events. “To be heading to Mount Panorama for our final round is something we are very excited about, and it is just fantastic that we can go to Bathurst with so many of our title fights across outright and the classes still well and truly alive.” In 2022, the series – which supports rare cancer peer support charity, Without A Ribbon – has been proudly presented by LIQUI MOLY, and has benefited from the introduction of a new set tyre panel which allows all competitors to choose to run Yokohama, Dunlop, Hankook or MRF Tyres. “This has definitely been an exciting time for LIQUI MOLY as we expand our involvement within the Australian motorsport arena; and while our partnership with the APC is new, we are already very happy with how it is unfolding,” LIQUI MOLY Head of Strategic Partnerships, Belinda Narbey, said. “Production car racing is at the heart of motorsport in Australia, and it is our pleasure to play a role in helping its continued growth and development. “It is clear that the APC brought to you by LIQUI MOLY has a lot of opportunity to grow and expand, and with the hard work being put in, things are only going to get bigger and better, and we are very excited about that.” To learn more about the APC brought to you by LIQUI MOLY, visit www. ausprodcars.com.au 42

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

AUSTRALIAN PRODUCTION CARS ENTRY CLASS RACE NO. SPONSOR

VEHICLE

DRIVER 1

X X X X X X X X A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 A2 B B B B C C C C C C D D D E E I

2016 BMW F82 M4 2021 BMW F87 M2 Comp 2015 BMW F80 M3 2016 BMW F80 M3 2016 BMW F82 M4 2017 BMW F82 M4 2016 BMW F82 M4 2014 BMW F82 M4 2008 Mitsubishi EVO X 2016 Subaru WRX STi 2015 Mitsubishi EVO X 2016 Mercedes A45 2010 Mitsubishi EVO X RS 2013 BMW M135i 2013 BMW M135i 2016 HSV Clubsport R8 2008 BMW E92 M3 2004 Holden VY GTS 2020 Ford Mustang 2019 HSV Clubsport R8 2016 HSV R8 2015 HSV R8 2021 Ford Mustang 2013 HSV Clubsport 2018 Ford Mustang 2019 Ford Mustang 2008 Mercedes C63 AMG 2013 Holden VE GTS 2018 Honda Civic Type R 2007 BMW E92 335i 2009 BMW 135i 2014 Holden Commodore VF SSV 2005 BMW BMW 130i 2015 HSV Astra 2005 Mazda RX8 2004 Mazda RX8 2018 Hyundai i30N 2009 Mazda 3 MPS 2014 Ford Fiesta 2008 Mini R56 JCW 2013 Mini R56 JCW 2010 Suzuki Swift Sport 2011 Mazda SP25 2008 BMW E82 125i

Anthony Soole Adam Burgess Ben Kavich Beric Lynton Tim Leahey Drew Russell Aaren Russell Wayne Russell Grant Sherrin Iain Sherrin Karl Begg Steve Jukes Shane Smollen Simon Hodges Jayden Ojeda Dean Campbell Cameron Crick Dimitri Agathos Jimmy Vernon Mark Griffiths Will Brown Matthew Boylan Michael Osmond Josh Haynes Paul Buccini Aaron Tebb Zach Loscialpo Ben Gersekowski Brian Callaghan Chris Delfsma Chris Lillis Daniel Oosthuizen Jacques Oosthuizen Gary Beggs Jimmy Manteufel George Miedecke Leigh Burges Matthew Holt Michael Rowell Ryder Quinn Tony Levitt Trevor Symonds Adam Gosling Peter O’Donnell Garry Mennell Rob Rubis Marco Giltrap Chris Gunther Mitchell Randall Chris Holdt Ric Shaw Tom Shaw Sam Silvestro Ben Silvestro Zoe Woods Luke Youlden Jake Camilleri Amar Sharma Daniel Natoli James Keene Michael Sloss Allan Jarvis Shane Fowler Andrew McMaster

4 Property Investment Store 92 Yellow Pages Race for a Cure 23 Bruce Lynton Service 58 Go-Karts-Go 27 Sherrin Rentals 40 Btuned Euro Specialist 56 Prestige Connex 31 Secure Wealth Advisers 118 DA Campbell Transport 66 Nova Employment/FullGas Racing 50 Hunter Pacific Ceiling Fans 19 One World Charter, Griffith Corp 777 Pomelo Designs 17 Ozzy Outhouse Hire 71 Team Buccini Racing 93 Waltec Motorsport 38 KCK Lubricants, Vic’s Timber 37 Callaghan Concrete Pumps 121 Century 21 Hazelbrook 64 Cachet Homes 94 Oosthuizen Motorsport 41 33 York Miedecke Ford 65 Cavanagh Electrics 3 Pacific Petroleum 7 Local Legends 16 Levitt Motorsports 666 Wollongong Auto Parts 43 MH Autocare 28 Spinifex 90 73 Giltrap Racing 15 Whalstrom Financial Services 25 La Rocca Marble 35 RX8 Cup 55 S-Sport Racing 210 TekworkX Motorsport 36 Grand Prix Mazda Caboolture 39 LME Care/Gtechniq 51 MWM Racing 74 Syntec 70 TOA57ED Motorsport 135 Raceaway Tracktime, Shane’s Signs 62 DJA Mechanical

DRIVER 2

DRIVER 3

PROTOTYPES TO MAKE BATHURST DEBUT THE HOME OF BESPOKE MANUFACTURERS AND TECHNICAL WIZARDRY, THE AUSTRALIAN PROTOTYPE SERIES WILL BE PROMISE TO BE A SPECTACULAR ADDITION TO THE SUPERCHEAP AUTO BATHURST INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM.

HE SUPERCHEAP Auto Bathurst International’s global relevance has been increased with confirmation that the Australian Prototypes Series will compete at Mount Panorama. Although the event will be a non-points paying event, it does provide the first opportunity for these bespoke sportscars will take on the Mountain in what has been tagged the ‘Bathurst Sportscar Challenge’. It is expected a grid of more than 30 sportscars will contest the inaugural event as part of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst International, with as many as seven manufacturers competing representing six countries. UK-based manufacturers Radical and Juno lead the entry, with the Australian West, the Italian Wolf, Stohr from United States and the eye-catching Praga originating from the Czech Republic. A regular on the Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships program for six seasons, the Australian Prototype Series caters for a wide variety of open or closed top sportscars built to CN and 44

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

2A Prototypes, 2C Supersports, Radical SR8, 6SR and SR3 models. The Australian Prototype Series encompasses three classes; P1 (Prototype for CN, Radical SR10 and SR8), P2 (Sports Racer for 6SR and motorcycle engine vehicles) and P3 (Radical SR3), with all to be showcased at the Mountain. Radicals have previously contested rounds at Bathurst, but the mix of manufacturers and configurations are sure to be a spectacular sight as these light and nimble

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IT IS EXPECTED A GRID OF MORE THAN 30 SPORTSCARS WILL CONTEST THE INAUGURAL EVENT

sportscars negotiate the legendary circuit. “It’s a diverse field of cars featuring everything from normally aspirated to turbo-charged units and motorcycle engines,” said Australian Prototype Series CEO Adam Brook. “We have the full range of two cylinder power to four, six and eight cylinder engines. There are open and closed cockpit cars, all with different aero packages, so it should make for quite exciting racing. “The Radicals will be part of the Bathurst Sportscar Challenge, and they have raced there in the past. We’ve looked at what they have done and have really set the temperature for what we expect. “We are expecting our leading competitors to be around the 2m05s to 2m07s mark. And around Bathurst, that’s honking. “At most tracks we go to, we are comparable to a GT3 lap time. Bathurst is a different beast, but I have no doubt that we are going to see some really cool racing. “We’ve had interest from all over Australia and overseas. These are an extremely popular style of race cars all around the world. Everyone knows about Bathurst. They know how special the track is and they don’t want to pass up the opportunity to race one of these great cars around one of the best race tracks in the world.” The Bathurst Sportscar Challenge will have three races across the weekend. 46

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

PROTOTYPE SERIES ENTRY CAR#

DRIVER

SPONSOR

8 9 11 16 17 21 30 40 41 42 52 55 56 66 67 68 88 88 881

Ryan Godfrey Ricky Capo Sebastian Lip Phillip Anseline Mark Rosser Alex Kenny Brenton Griguol Paul Palmer Neale Muston Phillip Hughes Bill Medland Mark Laucke Greg Kenny John-Paul Drake Jonathan Canavan Terry Knowles Xinlei Song Steve Roberts Aaron Lee

Ready Set Reline / RAM Motorsport Praga Racing ANZ Jam Racing Team / Jam Motorsport WT Partnership/GWR Australia Team BRM Regulator Motorsport Team BRM Mionlach Kennels Excalibur Extreme Hughes Supercar Services Medland Orthodontics Laucke Flour Mills Volante Rosso Jam Racing Team / Jam Motorsport HUNTA Property ASM/Ausnets GH Garage / JAM Motorsport GWR Evolution Racing Team

CLASS Prototype Prototype Prototype SR3 SR3 Prototype SR3 Sports Racer Prototype Prototype SR3 Prototype SR3 Prototype SR3 SR3 Sports Racer Prototype Sports Racer

A HUGE YEAR A

IF YOU THOUGHT 2022 WAS A GREAT YEAR FOR SPEEDSERIES, IT’S GOING TO A NEW LEVEL NEXT YEAR

he calendar for the SpeedSeries in 2023 promises to be an absolute cracker. Seven high profile events around Australia will be held next year, taking in the best race tracks and featuring some of the best racing categories that Australia has to offer. Starting with Race Tasmania in February, the SpeedSeries will again feature two events at the iconic Mount Panorama, with the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour and Supercheap Auto Bathurst International all set to return. Other venues include some of the country’s best circuits, including stops at the new-look Queensland 48

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

2023 SPEEDSERIES CALENDAR Round 1: Round 2: Round 3: Round 4: Round 5: Round 6: Round 7:

Race Tasmania, Symmons Plains Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour Victoria TBC Sydney Motorsport Park Queensland Raceway Sandown International Raceway Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

Raceway, Sydney Motorsport Park and Sandown International Raceway and another Victorian venue to be confirmed. Events will feature a wide range of categories, including the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series, Turtle Wax Trans Am Series, S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered

24-26 February 7-9 April 26-28 May 23-25 June 11-13 August 15-17 September 10-12 November

by AWS, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge, Gulf Western Oil Touring Car Masters, Australian Production Cars and many more. So lock these dates into your calendar and get yourself trackside. And of course, if you can’t be trackside, you can catch all of the action live, ad-break free and on demand on Stan Sport.

AHEAD IN 2023

THE TOP SIX INTERNAT THE SPEED SERIES MEDIA TEAM HAD TOO MANY COFFEES ONE MORNING, AND BUZZED AROUND THE OFFICE, AND CAME UP WITH ITS TOP SIX INTERNATIONAL DRIVERS TO HAVE COMPETED AT MOUNT PANORAMA. DO YOU AGREE, OR DID THEY HAVE TOO MUCH CAFFEINE!?

CHRISTOPHER MIES From a humble Toyota Yaris to one of the fastest Audi drivers in the world. The German GT ace is a multiple Bathurst 12 Hour winner, an Australian GT and Endurance champion, Blancpain Endurance Championship winner and an Audi factory driver for more than a decade. A regular visitor 50

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

to Australian shores, Mies set the fastest official lap around the Mountain at a 1m 59.291s in an unrestricted Audi R8 LMS GT3 solidifying his place on this list.

Christopher Mies

Rickard Rydell

nternational competitors have been a regular feature at Mount Panorama in all the different formats and categories over the years. But who have been the best and most successful global stars to zip up the nomex and strap on a skid lid to tackle the 6.213km strip of scenic road? Ahead of the Bathurst International, the editorial team at Speed Series used its downtime effectively by re-watching every motor race and reading every piece of literature about the circuit to come up with the top six international drivers to ever compete at the famous circuit. NOTE TO SPEED SERIES BOSSES: Our editorial team didn’t really waste all of this time. The fact is that we’ve been doing this for fun since we learnt how to use a VHS player! We have based our top six on two factors – success and star power. As you’ll see, we have selected six drivers who have achieved great success in the various race events over the circuit’s storied 84 year history. Plus, we’ve added a few honourable mentions too. So, over to you for comment and debate. These are our top six. What are yours?

RICKARD RYDELL A stalwart of the Tom Walkinshaw Racing-run Volvo super touring team, the Swede was supposed to make his Bathurst debut in 1994 for the Holden Racing Team though Craig Lowndes fever hit and he missed his shot. Winning the British Touring Car Championship at the height of the factory wars in 1998, he ventured down to partner Jim Richards in an S40 to

attack the 1000 and was scintillating during the Top 10 Shootout to achieve pole before winning the next day. He returned to Bathurst in 2003 finishing seventh as he won races in the European, World and Scandinavian Touring Car Champi-

Jacky Ickx

TIONALS AT BATHURST

JACKY ICKX By the time the Belgian arrived at Mount Panorama he had already eight Grands Prix having raced with Ferrari, Lotus, McLaren, Branham and Tyrrell. Ickx was regarded as an endurance specialist having won the Le Mans 24 Hour four times, the first with Ford before taking a hattrick of wins with Mirage and Porsche between 1975 and 1976. In 1977 he finished runner up in the French endurance classic before

Jacky Ickx

onships during his latter career in addition to GT1 success at Le Mans

joining Allan Moffat for a successful Bathurst campaign as Ford took a dominant 1-2. Ickx added a further two Le Mans victories in 1981 and 1982 as

he then tackled an endurance event of a different kind, the Dakar. Winning in 1983 for Mercedes, Ickx also finished second for Porsche in 1986 and Peugeot in 1989. 51

John Cleland

HONOURABLE MENTIONS SIR STIRLING MOSS The best driver to never win the World Drivers’ Championship, enough said. ANDY PRIAULX A three-time World Touring Car Championship winner and a top 10 Bathurst finisher as a Wildcard.

Bathurst 1000s, he finished a best of second with Brad Jones in 2001 and fifth in 1998 when Triple Eight Race Engineering entered the Super Touring event. He still does occasionally race one of his ex-Super Tourer Vauxhall Vectras at historic events.

MATTIAS EKSTROM A champion on dirt and tarmac, Ekstrom starred on debut partnering Priaulx in top 10 Wildcard performance. KATSUMASA CHIYO That last stint charge at the 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour was one to behold JOHN FITZPATRICK Nursing the ailing Bob Morris L34 Torana to an emotional victory and a multiple winner at Le Mans DEREK BELL Achieved success on both sides of the Atlantic at Le Mans and Daytona in addition to racing Formula 1.

Sir Stirling Moss

Supercheap Auto Bathurst International

Win Percy

WIN PERCY Percy holds a great affinity with Australian fans through his successful partnership with Allan Grice resulting in an underdog victory for Holden in 1990. He led the Holden Racing Team during its inaugural seasons, but before then he was held in high esteem across Europe after multiple British Touring Car Championship wins and being narrowly defeated to the European title when his lowest score was dropped. Winning the 1989 Spa 24 Hour for Ford came after multiple starts not only in the touring car classic, but the Le Mans 24 Hour with Jaguar, Mazda and Nissan, but luck eluded the Brit at the French circuit. JOHN CLELAND The aggressive Scot is more remembered for the 1992 British Touring Car Championship climax than anything else as the quote ‘the man’s an animal’ referring to rival Steve Soper entered the vernacular. Cleland won two British Touring Car Championships for Vauxhall and held an Australian link through racing an ex-Holden Dealer Team VK ‘Big Banger’ Commodore in Thundersaloons. Entering 12

KLAUS NIEDZWIEDZ A motoring journalist and professional racing driver, Niedwiedz is best remembered for bis long association with Allan Moffat starting with a near-victory in 1988. A long-time ally of Ford, the German came to attention when racing a Zakspeed Ford Capri setting a lap record for Group 5 touring cars around the Nordschleife. Although he dabbled in sportscar racing, Niedzwiedz was a mainstay in touring cars nearly winning the 1987 World Touring Car Championship and finishing runner up in the 1989 DTM. Finishing a best of second at the Mountain in 1989 pairing with fellow German Frank Biela, Niedzwiedz drove for the factory Honda team in STW before winning the privateer title in 1998.

Klaus Niedzwiedz