Porsche’s RS Spyder will complete demonstration laps around Mount Panorama next month as part of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 weekend.
The car, which underpinned Penske Racing’s factory-backed Porsche assault on the American Le Mans Series between 2005 and 2008, will be driven at the event by Jeroen Bleekemolen.
The Dutchman, who will co-drive with Shane van Gisbergen at next month’s Armor All Gold Coast 600, has previous experience of the RS Spyders from his time in the ALMS.
Porsche says that it has chosen to showcase the 353kw, V8-engined, prototype as part of the countdown to its return to prototype sportscar racing in 2014.
The chassis set to run at Bathurst previously competed in 11 ALMS races over the 2005 and 2006 American Le Mans Series seasons, and has been on display inside Porsche Centre Melbourne’s showroom for some time.
“This is an amazing opportunity: to drive the RS Spyder around Bathurst – one of the world’s best tracks,” said Bleekemolen of the news.
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“The RS Spyder is without doubt one of the greatest race cars I have ever driven – and many of its past drivers would say the same. With this in mind, driving the RS Spyder around Mount Panorama will indeed be a surreal experience.
“Having raced at Bathurst earlier this year in the Bathurst 12 Hour, I can truly say that it’s one of my favourite race tracks; it’s unlike any other circuit I’ve driven. I’d suggest that I’ll be the envy of many race drivers around the world that weekend.”
The Porsche model also has an Australian history, with Ryan Briscoe competing full-time in an RS Spyder during the 2007 American Le Mans Series and for the final three American Le Mans Series events in 2008, in which time he scored four LMP2 class race wins and two outright victories.
The famed prototype is part of Porsche’s ‘rolling museum’ and will be accompanied by the museum’s charismatic ambassador, Klaus Bischof, at Bathurst.
The #6 Porsche RS Spyder will be on display in the Porsche City Index Carrera Cup Australia paddock during the four-day Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 event.
