Bathurst 12: Event newsletter

CINI TEAMS PORSCHE WITH REYNOLDS FOR ARMOR ALL BATHURST 12 HOUR

ANOTHER STRONG COMBINATION has entered the 2011 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour with Victorian driver Marc Cini confirming his entry of a Porsche GT3 Cup S and announcing a gun V8 Supercar endurance co-driver to share the driving duties.

Walkinshaw Racing Holden driver David Reynolds will share the Hallmarc Property Group Porsche with Cini in a driving combination based on mutual experiences and friendship.

Both have significant experience behind the wheel of the renowned German thoroughbreds, Cini having campaigned both GT3 Cup Car and the faster Cup S versions in the domestic GT championship for several seasons.

Former Australian Formula Ford champion Reynolds won the 2007 Australian Carrera Cup title and, at 25, is one of the country's most accomplished young drivers.

Good mates off the track, Reynolds and Cini shared a similar Porsche in the Sepang (Malaysia) 12 hour race in the past and both are keen to team up to tackle the Mountain next February.

"Marc and I did the Malaysian 12-hour race a few years back and I think it's one of my most memorable ever races," Reynolds said.

"So much can happen during a 12 hour race that every time you get out of the car there are different stories to tell your co-drivers and the team. It's a lot of fun and I'm looking forward to teaming up with my mate Marc again.

"I think Endurance racing is about the most fun you can have."

Car owner Cini was enthusiastic about taking his Porsche to Bathurst to contest the Armor All Bathurst 12 hour race.

"We bought the car to race in the Malaysian 12 Hour race, but as soon as I saw GT cars were eligible for Bathurst we were in," said Cini, who has one previous start to his name driving a BMW 130i.

"The race and the track have a very special appeal. Driving a car like that in a long stint at Bathurst is one of the best things you can do in racing. I can't wait."

With several starts in the Annual V8 Supercar Bathurst classic to his credit, Reynolds said he knew what it would take to win in the longer Event, to be held on February 6 next year.

"It really is like a double Bathurst 1000," He said.

"It's going to take consistency and reliability to get to the last stint. If you can buy a ticket to the last hour or two of the race and then go for it, you're going to be in with a chance.

"I think our car will be a shot. Marc and I have got plenty of miles in Porsches and they are known for their endurances success. I can't wait."

"It's a team event and you need to work together to get the results," Cini added.

"David and I have done the Sepang race together and had a great time so we know there won't be any issues there."

The Hallmarc team are yet to confirm a third driver.

The 2011 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour is set to be the best yet and will include a broader vehicle eligibility list.

GT vehicles will join with production vehicles in 2011, with a total of 31 manufacturers eligible to compete in the around-the-clock Enduro at Mount Panorama from 4 to 6 February 2011.

Historic Group N Touring Cars, Group C&A Historic Touring Cars, Improved Production, HQ Holden's and Formula Vee will feature throughout Friday and Saturday's action, ensuring a racing program that caters to nearly every type of Australian Motorsport fan.

-source: bathurst12hour.com.au