James Winslow is set to make his debut in this weekend’s Gulf 12 Hour at the Yas Marina circuit with an all-Australian driver line-up.
Former Australian Formula 3 champion Winslow is set to share the seat in the Graff Racing-prepared LMP3 machine alongside fellow Sydney-based drivers Greg Taylor and Neale Muston.
While it will be Australian GT driver Taylor’s first outing in LMP3 machinery, Muston, the 2012 Radical Australia champion currently runs in LMP3 in Asia.
Winslow is upbeat about the chances, even though all three drivers are making their debut in the Gulf 12 Hour.
“I think we have a very good chance and an overall podium is certainly more than possible, or higher if we get to the checkered flag without penalties or problems,” Winslow told Speedcafe.com.
“The car and team are very strong.”
Winslow, who is currently driving a Ligier for DC Racing in the Asian Le Mans Series, is hoping to finalise plans for a WEC or European Le Mans Series ride for 2017 early in the New year.
An experienced campaigner in 12 Hour events such as Bathurst, Sepang and Sebring as well as twice tackling the Le Mans 24 hour, Winslow is looking forward to rejoining the French-based Graff outfit this weekend.
“I’m really looking forward to joining Graff Racing again after driving with them this year in the European Le Mans Series and at Le Mans 24,” he said.
Winslow was leading the LMP3 support race at the Le Mans 24 Hour this year with 20 minutes remaining in the Nissan-powered Ligier he shared with Dean Koutsoumidis.
The pair were eventually classified in 10th.
He then backed up in the Le Mans 24 Hour in a Judd-Powered Oreca LMP2 machine which was classified last after a driver time limit breach saw it handed with a lap and time penalty.
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