Successful Gold Coast businessman Scott Taylor will partner with highly experienced Craig Baird in a top level raid on the Australian GT Sprint and Endurance Series.

Taylor has purchased a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT3 with the successor to the SLS set to arrive in Australia later this month.

The car will be prepped and track tested ahead of its competition debut in the opening round of the Australian GT Championship in Adelaide from March 3-6.

The brand new machine will be run out of the Erebus workshop with the squad’s experience over previous seasons with the SLS proving invaluable.

Baird and Taylor will share the machine in both GT formats.

Taylor is a late player to motorsport but has already racked up a good level of experience including Porsche Carrera Cup, Aussie Cars and a sprinkling of GT starts.

“I had two starts in the GT Series last year after having a dabble in the category at Sydney Olympic Park three years ago,” Taylor told Speedcafe.com.

“It’s a great class because you spend a lot more time in the car and I consequently get a lot more balanced as opposed to a quick sprint.

“You are in the car for 30 mins to an hour and you get a lot more settled.

“The benefit from driving with a pro like Craig Baird is to share the data and the coaching that comes with it.

“So it allows you to improve your racecraft at a greater rate because your team-mate who is your second or first driver or whatever is your coach.

“They have got a 6.3litre V8 so they are not working their backside off.

“(consequently) it’s a more pleasurable drive so you can focus more on your learning rather than wringing the thing’s neck.”

Baird said the AMG will be in its element at some rounds while it may not be as comfortable at others.

“I think Quinny (Australian GT patriarch Tony Quinn) has got the formula working very well,” Baird told Speedcafe.com.

“Some rounds will work for us and some will work for other people.

“I think overall it will balance itself out. People with will have good rounds, bad rounds and otherwise.”