2107 Bathurst 12hr – Team Castrol Vodafone BMW M6 GT3

For the first half of the race, the number 7 Team Castrol Vodafone BMW M6 GT3 was the most competitive of the BMW entries.  Others had crashed, encountered problems or dropped back on pace.  The driving line-up was superb – Aussie standouts Mark Skaife, Russel Ingall and Tony Longhurst joined ex-F1 ace Timo Glock who was making his first visit to the Mountain.

Glock qualified the car in 7th and took the green flag in the darkness.  With the early caution, he got a chance to enjoy a Bathust sunrise in his first visit.  After five hours, the #7 was in third place overall – only seconds behind the leader.   Just before halfway, Ingall was trying to set up a slower car for a pass when he ran out of racetrack and hit the inside wall in the Esses quite hard.  Severe damage was inflicted on both the front and rear wheels and broke steering, suspension and hub bits.  The incident forced retirement and the car spent the remainder of the race in the garage.

This car was one of the most striking and photogenic in the field.  Big kudos to the livery designer.  Enjoy the pics!

 

2017 Bathurst 12hr – Wall Racing Porsche 997 Cup

Number 6 in the 2017 Bathurst 12 hour field was a local entry with four Aussie drivers in a bright yellow Porsche Cup car.  The amateur entry included Richard Gartner, Aaron Zerefos, Indiran Padayachee and Ric Shaw.  They finished, credited with 22nd place over all and 4th in class.  I can not find a photo of the car showing any damage or even so much as a wheel rub tire mark on its flanks or dent on its nose.  Congrats to the drivers and team on a clean run and a finish!  Enjoy the pics.