Van der Zande, Schultis Set for Bathurst 12H Debut in Mercedes

Photo: Marcel ten Caat

A pair of IMSA Prototype Challenge veterans are set to tackle Mount Panorama for the first time, as Renger van der Zande and Mirco Schultis have been confirmed for next month’s Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.

The Starworks Motorsport co-drivers will team with Patrick Simon in Schultis’ Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, run by championship-winning Australian outfit Erebus Motorsport.

“I always wanted to do Bathurst, but it’s been difficult with the schedule,” Schultis told Sportscar365.

“I’ve been there once with a Toyota Land Cruiser going around the track when I traveled through Australia some years ago.

“I still have the [Mercedes-Benz] SLS and will have a nice weekend with my friends Renger and Patrick.”

The car, entered under the Mishumotors banner, won the Zandvoort 12 Hours in 2014, and although the trio will be competing in the outright class at Bathurst, they are realistic about their chances with a two-Am driver lineup.

“Since there were many amateurs over the last years, I thought it would be a good thing for me,” Schultis said. “But it’s [increased in pro-level competition].”

It’s one of nearly 30 cars entered in the GT3-based Class A category, which includes factory efforts from Bentley and Nissan.

The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour is set for Feb. 5-7.

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John