Bathurst 12: Steve Johnson preview

JOHNSON SET FOR WPS BATHURST 12 HOUR

Steve Johnson's love for Bathurst, which started when he was a youngster watching his father Dick race around Mount Panorama, is set to continue when he competes at the WPS Bathurst 12 Hour Showroom Enduro in two weeks time (February 20-22).

The Queenslander is the latest in a long line of high-profile motorsport stars set to compete in the once around the clock Event with the line-up already including former Bathurst Champions Russell Ingall, John Bowe, Tony Loghurst, Peter McLeod and Jason Bargwanna, V8 icons Glenn Seton, Brad Jones and Neil Crompton, reigning Fujitsu V8 Champion Steve Owen, Australian Rally Champions Neal Bates and Simon Evans and Australian actor turned racing driver Eric Bana.

Johnson, who is a veteran of 15 starts in the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, will compete in the Event aboard a Ford FG Falcon GT-P alongside Nathan Tinkler and Nathan Callaghan.

"I've competed in a 12 Hour race once before and I'm delighted that I have been provided the opportunity to compete in another one this year," said Johnson.

"I love going to Bathurst no matter what I'm driving there, it is simply an amazing place to race at.

"This is a completely different Event to our V8 Supercar 1000k race in October. It is a game of strategy and stroking the car around to ensure you are there after the 12 hours.

"I am wrapped that Jim Beam Racing have cleared the way for the opportunity for me to run in the 12 Hour and I believe this will help me get my 'eye in' for the Championship opener next month in Adelaide.

"I have known Chris Sexton for many years and the build and development on his FG Falcons is very impressive. We should have a good strong car."

The 2009 WPS Bathurst Showroom Enduro will be held at Mount Panorama on February 20-22. In addition to the 12 Hour race the Event will also incorporate the opening round of the 2009 Shannon's Nationals which will feature the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, Saloon Cars, Formula Vee, HQ Holden's and Improved Production

The 2008 WPS 12 Hour Showroom Enduro attracted in excess of 100 drivers across 37 entries from various parts of Australia and New Zealand with the Mitsubishi Evo 9 of Damien White, Graham Alexander and Rod Salmon taking the victory.

-credit: bathurst12hour.com.au