Following the introduction of GT3 machinery three years ago, the Bathurst 12 Hour has quickly emerged as a highlight of the Australian motorsport calendar.
The race’s stature is set to grow further next February following confirmation of a capacity 55 car grid for the once-around-the-clock classic.
The 2014 field will feature 35 GT vehicles; boasting brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Audi, Mercedes and BMW.
Thirteen of the cars will be flown in from outside Australasia, including those from such European teams as Vita4One, AF Corse and HTP Motorsport.
There is also strong domestic competitor interest in the race, with 24 GT cars being fielded by local teams and a handful of star Australian drivers set to take part.
The 12 Hour is undeniably a long way from capturing the same spectator attention as V8 Supercars’ Bathurst 1000, though.
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While 183,000 attended last October’s V8 race, just 22,000 were attracted to the Mountain for the 12 Hour.
The 12 Hour’s television package naturally pales in comparison too, with next year’s SBS package marking the first time that the event has even been shown live on free-to-air.
It’s day long live streaming service has, however, been running for several years, ensuring full access to a global audience.
The world stage is truly where the 12 Hour’s potential lies under its current GT format. Can its international appeal help the 12 Hour overtake its domestic bigger brother in the years to come?
VOTE NOW below on this week’s Pirtek Poll.
