Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia

Bathurst 12H: Post-event news

NEW ERA AHEAD FOR ARMOR ALL BATHURST 12 HOUR

EVENT ORGANISERS are confident that a successful new era is in store for the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour.

A sensational race that went down to the final thirty minutes between two team-mates from Audi Race Experience Team Joest, ensured that those attending the Event and watching online were entertained throughout the day.

More than 200 competitors across the five support categories plus 18 GT cars - joining production vehicles - in the 12-hour race itself saw more on-track excitement than ever before.

Event Organisers announced a three-day attendance of 18,567 - up by nearly 1000 people from last year.

However, key indicators including corporate and media interest and substantial growth in global coverage, via live internet streaming, proved to organisers that the Event's future is bright.

"The 2011 Event has shown that the introduction of GT vehicles was validated," Event Director James O'Brien said.

"We had high standard teams and drivers from here and abroad and an entertaining race. Congratulations go to Audi for their impressive result, but it was also fantastic to see them pushed so hard by the local teams.

"Audi embraced the Event with a significant investment in not only the on-track product, but things like corporate hospitality, media and marketing. They have shown that the Event has value for manufacturers if it's leveraged properly.

"Our target now is to grow the entry list across the board. Audi have already indicated they are very keen to return and we are confident this will lead to further international interest in the Event next year.

"Overall it was a great race and a very positive way to begin the growth into a leading GT Event on the Australian and international calendar."

Event Management and representatives from the Bathurst Regional Council will meet in coming days to plan for the long-term growth of the race.

Early reports indicate that a record number of people logged on throughout the day to follow the action with the Event now a leader in allowing fans to interact with the broadcast.

More than 10,000 unique viewers watched via www.bathurst12hour.com.au, whilst the 'Ratings' peaked at more than 2700 unique viewers in the closing hours as Craig Lowndes and Hong Kong-Chinese driver Darryl O'Young traded lap times for the race win.

The action was seen as far afield as England, Germany, the United States, Russia, Slovakia and even the Bahamas.

On social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook more than 2000 fans discussed the race and its outcome.

The Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour will also be televised broadcasted via ONE HD on February 19th, at 7:30PM, the prime-time positioning set to deliver strong ratings for the three-hour highlight package that will feature commentary from Greg Rust and V8 Supercar hero Garth Tander.

There were five international members of the media accredited, plus more than 60 people on-site from overseas to support the six international entries from Audi Race Experience Team Joest (Germany), Ferrari team Rosso Verde (Ireland) and Motorsport Services New Zealand - who entered three cars in two classes.

The Mountain's next major Event will be the return of the Bathurst Motor Festival, this Easter.

The three-day Event, again a partnership between Yeehah Events and the Bathurst Regional council, will feature seven categories of racing across the weekend allowing access to the circuit for those who otherwise may not have the chance.

More information about the Bathurst Motor Festival can be found at www.bathurstmotorfestival.com.au

-source: bathurst 12hour

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Bathurst 12H: Audi qualifying report
Next article Bathurst 12H: Audi race report

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia