Phoenix Confirms Two-Car Entry for Bathurst 12H

Regularly regarded as one of the top GT3 teams in the world, Phoenix Racing will return to Mount Panorama in 2015 for a concerted attack at returning to the top step of the podium.

The German team has entered a pair of 2014-specification Audi R8 LMS ultras for the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour next year, their biggest attack since they won the race with an emphatic 1-2 finish in 2012.

Phoenix has competed with a single-car outfit in intervening years, finishing fourth in 2013 and fifth this year, making them one of the most consistently successful teams to tackle the around-the-clock race since its switch to a GT Event in 2011.

The team is yet to confirm drivers however, with the substantial talents from the Audi Customer Sport stable at their disposal, expects to challenge for outright victory.

After struggling for raw speed at Mount Panorama this year, the FIA’s Balance of Performance (BoP) alterations in 2014 has seen the Audi R8 remain one of the most competitive ‘all-rounders’ in GT3 racing, with Audi teams tasting success in the Blancpain Endurance Series and Spa 24 Hour endurance race this year.

The pair of Phoenix Racing Audi R8s add to the incredible list of Class A, GT3 vehicles set to assemble from around the world next February 6-8.

The German-based Audi’s join the pair of British M-Sport Bentley’s, Hong Kong team Craft Bamboo Racing and their Aston Martin Vantage GT3s, Japan’s Nissan NISMO Global Athlete team and the crack AF Corse Ferrari outfit from Italy.

Clearwater Racing (Malaysia), HTP Motorsport, Rotek Racing (both Germany), the UK’s United Autosports and Trass Family Racing from New Zealand – plus a host of Australia’s best GT teams – take to eight the number of countries committed to the outright class.

29 outright GT3 cars now feature on an updated entry list that now stands at 54 cars. More cars are yet to be fully confirmed.

Event Director James O’Brien said he was obviously happy with the quantity of entries, however it was the quality that really stood out.

“There is always a great deal of attention on the grid size; however from our perspective it is pleasing to see the quality of teams and drivers increasing each year, particularly in the outright GT3 class.

“Phoenix Racing are one of the most professional outfits in the business, but will face stiff opposition for victory from a field including World Rally Champions M-Sport from the UK, HTP Motorsport from Germany, Craft Bamboo from Hong Kong, Clearwater Racing from Malaysia and of course the NISMO team from Japan.

“That’s not to mention the strong local competition including Erebus Motorsport and defending champions, Maranello Motorsport.

“It is exciting for us to be able to welcome all these teams to Mount Panorama and demonstrates how highly the Event is regarded. Motor sport teams from across the world want to experience the challenge of competing at Mount Panorama for 12 hours. We expect to welcome more teams at future events.”