WHILE a scheduling clash with a V8 Supercars test day could prevent some of Australia’s leading drivers from taking part in next year’s Bathurst 12 Hour, the annual Mount Panorama endurance classic will see at least one of the sport’s big names steering what shapes as the quickest car.

The world’s most successful Porsche driver, Craig Baird, has been signed to drive the M-Motorsport Lamborghini at next year’s Bathurst 12 Hour event. 

Baird’s motor sport pedigree – and the possible attendance of ex-Formula 1 talent Mark Webber – means that even if V8 Supercar regulars are unable to attend the February event, there will still be quality amongst the field.

This year saw current V8 drivers Craig Lowndes, Shane van Gisbergen, Will Davidson and Rick Kelly take part in the 12 Hour, with Lowndes being part of the winning il Bello Rosso Ferrari F458 Italia entry.

Baird shared the wheel of another Ferrari, driving for Clearwater Racing. While that car finished with a DNF, withdrawing after two hours and 23 minutes of racing, his record in the event is formidable.

He won his class in the 2007 and 2008 events while he has picked up two Bathurst 12 Hour podiums for Clearwater Racing with a second and third placing.

egular in the Bathurst 1000, placing third in the 1999 Great Race, and has 11 Carrera Cup series wins to his credit, Baird is a driver very much in demand.

It was little wonder Justin McMillan was delighted to secure his services for the 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour. 

Baird will join McMillian and another of motor sport’s big names – three-time Bathurst 1000 winner Steve Richards – in the M-Motorsport Lamborghini.

Given that this year’s 12 Hour saw the Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 impressing with its speed before crashing out on lap 79, the 2015 entry is already shaping as one of the favourites.

“After the pace we had at Bathurst this year, we decided to focus our attentions on taking the title next year,” McMillan told speedcafe.com.

“Up until the unfortunate crash that eliminated us mid-race this year we were the fastest car on the circuit, with Steve having broken the standing GT lap record, and we were looking good for a strong finish.

“There’s no question that Steve will be fast again next year and alongside Craig, we have a solid combination.

“My job will be about consistency, and 2015 will be my fourth event on Mount Panorama, so I’m more than prepared.”

Though it remains to be seen if there will indeed be a clash between the 12 Hour and the V8 Supercars’ compulsory test day, Nissan driver Rick Kelly will be hoping he gets his chance to compete at Mount Panorama in both February and October.

While he is two-time Bathurst 1000 winner, this year was Kelly’s first taste of the 12 Hour as he was part of the NISMO Athlete Global Team that withdrew after 58 laps.

That experience, while limited, was enough to make Kelly a fan of the event.

“For us to not be able to race in events like the 12 Hour is bad for us and it’s bad for getting the sport out there a little more,” he told speedcafe.com.

“Personally I’m a little disappointed if it does happen because we really enjoyed it last year.

“The opportunity to drive in the factory Nismo car is something I really enjoyed and it’s been the highlight of my year to date to be honest. Not being able to do that again is a tough one.”

Next year’s Bathurst 12 Hour will run from February 5-8.