ALL THE EXCITEMENT of the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour will reach a global audience after Event Organisers today confirmed that the popular live internet streaming – first introduced last year – will return in 2011.
The on-course television and commentary will again be broadcast via the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour website, www.bathurst12hour.com.au, and interaction with the audience via social networking mediums including Facebook and Twitter will be a feature.
Despite limited notice prior to the Event, last year’s online coverage generated over 20,000 viewers from Australia and international viewers from the United States, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, Great Britain, Germany and several other nations.
Interaction via Twitter was substantial enough to see the tag ‘#12hour’ become a ‘trending topic’ in Australia during the course of the race.
The introduction of GT vehicles racing alongside production cars, along with five international entries, is expected to drive overseas interest higher this year whilst also offering local fans an avenue to support the Event should they not make it trackside.
The online coverage will supplement the three-hours of national broadcast time on ONE HD, to be shown post-Event.
“Our online coverage last year was really a toe in the water exercise, and it delivered results beyond our expectations,” Event Director James O’Brien said.
“The online coverage offers our sponsors a new way of generating exposure and allows our fans to follow the race live from green light to chequered flag whilst also getting involved with the commentary team and the competitors themselves.
“The level of interactivity is likely to grow this year as is the impact of the coverage on an international level thanks to the participation of entrants the like of Audi, Mosler, Ferrari and Porsche, amongst others.”
GT vehicles will join with production cars for the first time in 2011, with entries secured from Audi, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Holden, Lotus, Mitsubishi, Mosler, Nissan, Porsche and Subaru.
Historic Group N Touring Cars, Group C & A Historic Touring Cars, Improved Production, HQ Holden’s and Formula Vee will feature throughout Friday and Saturday’s action, ensuring a racing program that caters to nearly every type of Australian Motorsport fan.