Bathurst 12: Event hour eight notes

Defending Champions setting the foundation for victory

The closure of hour eight has seen the reigning WPS Bathurst 12 Hour champion continuing to lead the way, with Rod Salmon holding a 53 second lead over the chasing Stuart Kostura.

Salmon and team-mate Damien White clinched the win in 2008 with White crossing the finish line, and for 2009's campaign are joined by dual Bathurst 1000 champion Tony Longhurst who has spent his own time leading the field today.

In third and the final car on the lead lap is Luke Searle in the #11 BMW 335i.

While the leading pack is opening the gap over the other contenders and each other the eighth hour of the once around the clock encounter has not been without its drama, with the #23 Holden VE R8 Clubsport of Steve Briffa, Marcus Zukanovic and Tim Sipp having a fuel overflow in pit lane requiring the attendance of fire marshals.

Briffa was able to return to the track shortly after and is now in fifth place behind Jason Bargwanna (fourth).

The leaders have now completed 155 laps

-credit: bathurst12hour.com.au