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Double up for Lotus in the WPS Bathurst 12hr |
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Wednesday, 30 January 2008 |
For the first time in the revived endurance event’s history, a Lotus will hit
Mount Panorama for the WPS Bathurst 12 Hour.
In fact, not one but two of
the esteemed marque are listed for entry, with Victoria’s Mark O’Connor and
Queensland’s Robert Thomson entering a Lotus Exige each for the race around the
clock.
Mark O’Connor, Andrew Fisher and Richard Buttrose will pilot the official Lotus
Cars Australia entry, also supported by Kumho Tyres.
All former
competitors in the Lotus Trophy series, the friendly foes have now combined to
form a formidable team for their WPS Bathurst 12 Hour assault, with each holding
a considerable amount of motoring experience to their name.
“We are very
excited to be representing such a legendary brand at such a legendary race
track,” enthused car-owner O’Connor.
“Richard, Andrew and I have all
competed against each other in the Lotus Trophy as well as in Australian
Performance Cars, and with Richard setting the fastest lap of the 2005 Lotus
series Bathurst race and Andrew taking the V8 Ute Rookie of the Year Award last
year, I think we will make a pretty good combination aboard the Lotus.
“The thing about the Lotus is that whilst it gives a lot away in speed
on the straights, it has a lot across the top of the Mountain and has a high
fuel efficiency, so we believe the longer endurance format will really play into
our hands.
“In the Performance Cars at Bathurst the Lotus was blown away
by the higher performance cars, however with the longer distance we think we can
get some of our own back with our use of tyres, brakes and fuel lending us an
edge.
“Having said that though – the distance will be an interesting
factor with limited enduro experience between us - the longest race I have done
before now was one hour and I thought that was long!“
O’Connor’s Lotus
Cars Australia entry will be joined on the grid by Thomson’s Queensland House
and Land.com/Grove Fruit Juice/One of a Kind Media Group/Bennet Carroll
Solicitors Exige, race prepared by Mick Todd and Lee Knappet for the hands of
performance car racer Thomson, V8 Ute’s Greg Willis, Performance Car racer Tim
Poulton and motoring identity Guy Gibbons.
“We are really excited to get
out there on the Mount Panorama circuit and just demonstrate the attributes of
these great cars that are as close to a race car for the road that you will
get,” said Thomson.
“We think the car will be strong, although it won’t
be the fastest car on the track it will be competitive due to its fuel
consumption compared to the heavier and faster cars, and so we expect to be
required to complete less fuel stops.
“Hopefully, we can run a good,
reliable and consistent race, keeping the car in good condition with consistent
times that will not hurt it, and just try and keep out of trouble which with 12
hours around a circuit such as Mount Panorama can be easier said than done!”
The 2008 WPS Bathurst Motor Festival will be held at Mount Panorama on
February 8-10, incorporating the WPS Bathurst 12 Hour on Sunday February 10.
Tickets can be purchased from Ticketek on 13 28 49 with discounted
pricing available to patrons who purchase prior to the event. All patrons
receive free entry to the Bathurst National Motor Racing Museum with each
ticket, and children under 12 are free when they enter with a paying adult.
Access to the top of Mount Panorama will be open throughout the three
day Event, with patrons able to catch a shuttle or drive their own car to the
Mountain top for a unique viewing point of the track, with the Big Screen
ensuring they miss none of the action.
Ticket Details:
Friday
GA Adult – $30 (Pre-purchased - $20)
Friday GA Concession - $25
(Pre-purchased - $15)
Saturday GA Adult - $35 (Pre-purchased - $25)
Saturday GA Concession - $30 (Pre-purchased - $20)
Sunday GA Adult - $35
(Pre-purchased - $25)
Sunday GA Concession - $30 (Pre-purchased - $20)
3
Day GA Adult - $70 (Pre-purchased $50)
3 Day GA Concession - $55
(Pre-purchased $40)
3 Day Covered Grandstand Adult - $100 (Pre-purchased -
$80)
3 Day Covered Grandstand Concession - $80 (Pre-purchased - $65)
*GA = General Admission
*Children under 12 are FREE with a paying
Adult
*All ticket prices include booking fee and are inclusive of GST
*Transaction Fees Apply
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