A TEAM THAT really can call Mount Panorama, Bathurst, it’s home circuit has committed to again operating a three-car team in the 2012 Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour.
Based just down the road from the circuit in Parkes, New South Wales, GWS Motorsport are one of the most successful production car teams currently operating – with their lead BMW 335i Turbo entry finishing second in its class and a strong 10th outright in this year’s race.
Driver Peter O’Donnell – proprietor of recruiting company GWS Personnel – has confirmed the team will be back with three cars in an effort to snare a Bathurst victory.
“We are very pleased to be the first Production Car team to confirm their participation in the 2012 Event,” O’Donnell said.
“We believe very strongly in the involvement of production-specification cars in the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour and along with supporting it, we’re actively encouraging our rivals to come and race us.
“Our plan now is to run our three BMWs again and go out for a win. Our previous drivers are keen to return and we’re also talking to new drivers from both here and overseas, so we’re keen to be involved again.”
The GWS Motorsport BMWs have a long tradition of success on the Mountain, the small, nimble BMW 130i always a contender in the small car class whilst O’Donnell’s personal vehicle – the turbocharged 335i coupe – has twice won the race outright prior to the introduction of GT vehicles.
Last year the crew fought a dogged race long battle with the Peter Conroy Motorsport-entered Mitsubishi Evo X for the class win, eventually finishing strongly in second.
“It’s a great car with a lot of success and history in the race,” O’Donnell explained.
“It’s won the race twice with the likes of Craig Baird, John Bowe, Paul Morris and Garry Holt driving it so it’s been very well known for a long time – I’m pleased to be part of it and know that I have a very competitive car under me for the race.”
O’Donnell said the race was a key promotional opportunity for local businesses on a national – and now international – stage.
“Our business’ main client base is in regional New South Wales and to be able to show what we are capable of at a major Event in our own backyard is fantastic.
“This year we had a lot of guests from around the region join us at the Event and they all had a great time.
“We hope other Production Car teams realise they can still be a major part of the Event and race for the class win in a very competitive fight. And it’s always very satisfying to knock off some of the GT cars as well!”
The teams pair of BMW 130i models also performed strongly in the small-car class this year, the No. 26 entry finishing 11th outright and winning their class battle. Team co-owner Allan Shephard has also recently returned from a strong second in class at the famous Nurburgring 24 hour race, further enhancing the teams’ enduro qualifications.
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.
