Longhurst shows BMW M4 livery

The Boat Works today announced an exciting new partnership with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) for its milestone 30th anniversary edition from May 24 to 27.

The partnership will see SCIBS branding painted across The Boat Works’ owner Tony Longhurst’s new GT4 motorsport team’s car for their debut entry at the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-hour from February 2 to 4.

The significant partnership will continue throughout the year, with several activations planned leading up to and during SCIBS – the southern hemisphere’s premier boating event.

SCIBS is where the marine industry does business and is expected attract more than 40,000 visitors across four days.

Like the Bathurst 12-hour, SCIBS has become a major event for premium manufacturers and is expected to have more than 300 quality national and international exhibitors.

As part of the partnership Longhurst has secured the number 30 for the 12-hour event where he will share his GT4 with talented young Gold Coast drivers Matt Brabham and Aaron Seton.

Longhurst is a two-time winner of the Bathurst 1000 and Bathurst 12-hour, while Brabham and Seton are both third-generation drivers from two of Australia’s most famous motorsport families.

“When we set up this team we were determined to do it right,” said Longhurst.

“We wanted everything first class and this partnership with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is a perfect fit.

“We look forward to the terrific exposure we can generate for the Sanctuary Cove event, but even more importantly the program is a terrific way to bring so many elements and members of the marine industry together.

“The Boat Show team have created an impressive program of activities around the 30th anniversary event which I believe will be the springboard to another 20 years of growth and we are excited to be a part of that.

“This is a perfect example of a marine industry partnership which is much more than just a sticker on the side of a car. We have the opportunity to build some terrific experiences for all the stakeholders and their customers.”

The number 30 carries more significance when you consider that Aaron’s father, Glenn, who will part of the program’s management team, carried the number through his touring car career which include national championships in 1993 and 1997.

“I think the car looks fantastic now we have had the chance to officially unveil it with our final partners on board,” said Seton.

“I remember heading out to Sanctuary Cove event as a kid and being mesmerized by all the boats and everything else that was going on.

“So many boaties are also motorsport fans so I think this is a win-win for everyone involved.”

The car was unveiled by Longhurst, SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser and Aaron Seton at Sanctuary Cove this morning and will be transported to Bathurst’s Mt Panorama next week.

Brabham will join the team in race week after competing in the first round of the International Stadium Super Trucks Series in California this weekend.

“To have a local partner like the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on board is great news and an appropriate fit,” said Brabham.

“The partnership is a perfect example of what can be achieved when two parties are enthusiastic about a common goal.

“I can’t wait to get out there at Mt Panorama for the first time and flying the colours of everyone involved.

“It means a lot to be given this opportunity by Tony and the support of a local entity like the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show adds another layer to it.”

The Boat Works/ Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show entry will compete in the GT4 category of the 12-hour which has attracted 50 entries in total.

The team also has support from Club Marine, Castrol, 3M, Gold Coast BMW, HVG and Raymarine.

Tickets remain available for the event, with race day General Admission tickets priced from just $46, including free access to the paddock area.