News
Bathurst field remains full as reserves step up
THE Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour field remains at one hundred percent capacity – 72 cars – with two new entries now embracing the chance to compete in Bathurst’s biggest enduro.
Two pre-event withdrawals have allowed for two entries on the active reserves list have been promoted to the entry list proper this week.
An Audi TT RS entered by Daniel Natoli will step into the A1 Extreme Performance, Forced Induction category with Natoli sharing the driving duties with Stuart Gamble.
The all-wheel-drive Audi coupe has become a staple of the event since it’s formation with the best finishing example steered by Tony Alford and Mark Eddy, who finished seventh outright (and in class) in the 2017 race. Cousins Ben and Jude Bargwanna finished runner-up in the A1 class in their 2022 campaign, claiming 9th outright.
The addition of the Audi takes to 15 the number of brands represented on the entry list this year.
Meanwhile, Trico Trans Am Series team The Racing Academy will now field their Toyota 86 in Class D, with Isaac Demellweek and Romeo Nasr splitting the driving.
The promotion of two new entries to the entry list comes following two unfortunate withdrawals this week; the Chris Lillis / Nathan Callaghan / Josh Muggleton Chevrolet Camaro a non-starter after surgery to an injured ankle forced Lillis to the sidelines.
Meanwhile, the Moma Solar Lighting Mercedes C63 AMG has also been withdrawn with team owner / driver Anthony Levitt citing ‘new build issues’ with the recently completed V8 Mercedes.
“The dream was to stand on the podium, with a class win in the 12 hours & 6 hours in the same year,” Levitt said.
“The new build was completed, homologated and log booked however some new development work was not able to be completed so the decision was made to withdraw.
“The goal was to take the best version of a C63 Production car ever built to the event, unfortunately time got the better of us ”
Two further cars remain on the Bathurst 6 Hour reserves list as the event targets a circuit capacity grid next weekend.
“This year our entry process changed where we allowed for active reserves to be on standby for as long as they wanted to remain with a chance of making the race,” Bathurst 6 Hour Administrator Charise Bristow said.
“Entries that didn’t make the final cut would have had their fee refunded, however we had four remain committed to staying on the list in case of late withdrawals – with regularly happens with events of this nature.
“Fortunately, even though we have lost two cars we had two on hot standby ready to take their place, so the field remains at capacity at this point in time.
“Daniel’s team and The Racing Academy are both really excited to be part of the event and were preparing as if they were going to compete, so they will be ready to go when cars roll out for practice in just over a week’s time.”
Tickets, camping and corporate experiences remain on sale for the event via the official website, www.bathurst6hour.com.au