Catsburg Joins Craft-Bamboo for Bathurst 12H

Nicky Catsburg will join Craft-Bamboo Racing for its effort in the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, marking the first time since 2021 the Dutchman has raced Mercedes machinery.

The Corvette factory driver will share the No. 77 Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo with Daniel Juncadella and Lucas Auer for the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli opener at Mount Panorama.

The Dutchman has limited experience behind the wheel of the German GT3 challenger, notably joining HubAuto as a late stand-in for the 24 Hours of Spa in 2021.

He would go on to complete further outings with the team in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup rounds at the Nürburgring and Barcelona, but hasn’t raced an AMG since.

“I am really excited about this opportunity,” Catsburg said.

‘The Bathurst 12 Hour is definitely one of my favorite events. Being able to join Craft-Bamboo Racing with Dani and Lucas feels like an amazing opportunity to fight for the win.

“It will be a big challenge since it will be my first time working with the team and I have hardly driven the Mercedes-AMG GT3.

“I would like to thank Craft-Bamboo Racing and Mercedes-AMG for the trust, let’s go and win this one!”

Auer is new to the Craft-Bamboo organization while Juncadella is returning to the team with which he won last year’s Indianapolis 8 Hour en route to the IGTC drivers’ title.

Craft-Bamboo also took second overall at Bathurst last year, finishing only eight seconds behind winners SunEnergy1 Racing as Mercedes-AMG locked out the podium.

“We are looking forward to returning to Bathurst this year,” team principal Darryl O’Young said.

“We have a very strong driver line-up, it’s our first time working with Nicky and Lucas. Obviously, they have a very strong reputation and experience behind them, so excited to have them join the team.

“Of course, we have had success with Dani in the last couple of endurance races so we feel very confident heading to the mountain.

“On top of that, having MSI, a globally recognized brand, join us at this event is very exciting. We look forward to delivering a strong partnership in this race.”

GruppeM Lineup Set Ahead of Full-Season Entry

Mercedes-AMG Team GruppeM Racing, which is contesting the full IGTC season, has also had its factory-affiliated lineup confirmed for the opening round.

Maro Engel, Raffaele Marciello and Mikael Grenier will share the No. 999 Mercedes-AMG, which is competing in a bright yellow ‘mamba’ Mann-Filter livery.

“The Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour is one of the toughest races of the year and is of great importance to Mercedes-AMG Motorsport,” said Christoph Sagemueller, head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport.

“This is reflected in the highly competitive standard of our teams and the record number of entries for both factory-supported and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams.

“On top of that, I am proud that we have again been asked to provide the safety car for this year’s race. After all, safety is always a priority for Mercedes and AMG, and that of course also goes for motorsport.”