AT 75-YEARS-OLD, Ted Huglin could lay claim to becoming the oldest driver to start a major endurance race at Mount Panorama when he teams with V8 Supercar ace Cameron McConville in the 2012 Armor All Bathurst 12 hour.
But don’t let his age fool you into thinking he is an old bloke just coasting around, because Huglin drives and talks like a driver fifty years younger.
The Melbourne-based proprietor of Consolidated Chemical Company is a regular on the Australian motorsport landscape and has entered his stunning Lamborghini Gallardo LP570 GT3 car for the Event – the same car he continues to drive to regular wins in local sports car racing in Victoria.
He also took second place against a massive Production Sports Car field at the Bathurst Motor Festival at Easter this year – ideal preparation if eleven hours shorter than the race scheduled for next February.
Huglin is confident of challenging the growing international contingent set to race in the 2012 race – and still has some tricks up his sleeves to see the bright yellow Lamborghini crosses the line first at 6:30pm on Sunday, February 26th next year.
“We are going to have a red-hot go and we’re certainly not doing this to make up the numbers,” Huglin said.
“We’ve let the international invaders get away with winning on our sacred turf once – but we’re not going to let it happen again!
“Cam (McConville) has done more laps at Bathurst than he’s had hot dinners and he’s a star. There are very few drivers who know that place better than Cam: he’s very fast and very reliable and will be a great asset to have in the team. We’re also not far away from confirming our third driver and he will be very, very competitive. We will have a strong team.”
Rule changes to next years’ race have encouraged Huglin to enter the race after initially considering an entry for the 2011 Event.
“We were going to do the race this year but I didn’t agree with some of the regulations regarding to what tyres we could use and the number of stops our car had to make,” he admitted.
“But they have changed that this year and opened it right up so we were the first to say ‘yes, we’re going’. It’s a great Event and this year could be the big year where it gains a massive following both here and abroad.
“It’s going to be very competitive. I had dinner with Mark Eddy the other night and he was telling me about some of Audi’s plans and they aren’t coming here again for a holiday – they’re coming to win. But I’m going to give it a big go.”
Most people – let alone drivers – could be excused for slowing down at age 75, but Huglin is heading in the opposite direction because he’s only getting quicker.
“I just wish I’d started younger!” Huglin grinned.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have great people and great friends like Allan Simonsen and John Bowe coaching, energising and cajoling me into going faster and faster and that’s been fantastic.
“I enjoy doing it very much and can’t wait to get to Bathurst. I’ve only raced there twice and it’s fantastic so to go again and do the 12 Hour will be brilliant.”
The 2012 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour will be contested on February 24-26, 2012 and will feature an action-packed program including four strong support categories; Sports Sedans, Saloon Cars, Formula Ford and Improved Production.