Pace-setting V8 Supercars squad Prodrive Racing Australia is assessing options for a future involvement in the Bathurst 12 Hour.
The move comes as the company strives to expand its business beyond V8 Supercars, where it runs four FG X Falcons and provides customer support to DJR Team Penske’s single entry.
Prodrive earlier this year began evaluating the potential for a tarmac rally program around the new generation Ford Mustang and has also made noises about the potential of Formula 4.
The team has a link to GT racing through its UK arm, which looks after Aston Martin’s GT3 program as part of the David Richards-owned company’s long-running association with the brand.
“We’re looking at a whole host of things and the 12 Hour is on our radar,” Prodrive team principal Tim Edwards told Speedcafe.com.
“Whether we choose to be a part of it or not remains to be seen. It’s no different to Targa or Formula 4 or a whole host of possibilities. It would be naïve not to look at it.”
Increased interest from V8 Supercars teams in running entries or providing engineering support to teams in the Bathurst 12 Hour follows the touring car category’s recent takeover of the race.
Although Edwards downplayed the prospect of running a fully fledged factory team next year, he is convinced that the 12 Hour will grow under the control of Supercars Events.
“I think it’s a great thing for the sport,” he said of the buyout.
“We (V8 Supercars) have an events business that has a sixth month lull in its calendar.
“You’ve got this workforce and experience just sitting there that understand the circuit and area intimately.
“There’s been a bit of negativity from the fans, but I think in time they’ll realise that V8 Supercars will make the event even bigger and better than it is.”
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