Bathurst 12H: Date set for 2011

DATE LOCKED IN FOR 2011 ARMOR ALL BATHURST 12 HOUR

The 2011 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour is set to be the best yet following confirmation today of the Event's date and a broader vehicle eligibility list.

Vehicles from the Australian GT Championship will join with vehicles from the Australian Production Car Championship totalling 31 manufacturers eligible to compete in the around-the-clock Enduro at Mount Panorama on 4 to 6 February 2011.

The date was confirmed today by Promoter James O'Brien and locks the Event into its now-traditional position kick-starting the motorsport calendar.

"The Armor All Bathurst 12 hour has established itself as the first major event on the Australian Motorsport landscape each year," Mr. O'Brien said.

"The early February date keeps us clear of other major motorsport events and offers both competitors and fans with a unique event, at the most iconic circuit in Australia, to start the year."

More than 100 different models representing 31 manufacturers will make up a new 8 class structure for next year's Event.

The list ensures that evocative brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Porsche will return to endurance racing at Mount Panorama alongside existing mainstays from Mitsubishi, BMW, Ford and Holden.

The February date ensures that the Race will also be held before the European GT season begins, permitting international entries the opportunity to compete at Mount Panorama against our domestic competitors.

"To say we are excited about the list of vehicles eligible to race in the 2011 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour is an understatement, it will be the most diverse field in Australian Motorsport," James O'Brien said.

"This years' race featured around 20 different makes and models and with the addition of vehicles from the Australian GT Championship that is set to increase dramatically.

"Race fans will now get the opportunity to see cars like the Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche 997 and Aston Martin DBRS9 racing with the cars that have already established their reputations in the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour such as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo's, HSV Commodores and BMWs down to Toyota Celica's and Renault Clio's.

"The sight of a full field thundering into turn one just after 6:30am on Sunday, 6 February 2011, should be a sight to behold."

Competitors interested in finding out more about the 2011 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour should contact Category Administrator Jodi Zylstra via email on jodi@bathurst12hour.com.au or visit www.bathurst12hour.com.au

-source: bathurst 12