IN 2014 when Japanese star Katsumasa Chiyo was involved in an incident at the top of Mount Panorama which ended his bid for success in the Bathurst 12 Hour, he cast a devastated figure.
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However, as the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining.
The Nissan driver came back 12 months later and along with Wolfgang Reip and Florian Strauss, bettered a strong line-up of both Australia and international outfits to claim the chequered flag.
In 2016 Chiyo was on the podium again, with only Shane van Gisbergen’s McLaren beating his entry home.
Now as the latest edition of the endurance epic looms, Chiyo is once more part of a formidable driver line-up capable of claiming victory.
Certainly he has set his mind on doing just that.
“In 2015 we achieved winning the race after a dramatic finish. Last year, we tried to defend the title, but we were beaten by the McLaren,” Chiyo said.
“This year, I think our mission is simple – win back the trophy for the Nissan GT-R.”
Chiyo will join Brit Alex Buncombe and Supercars regular Michael Caruso behind the wheel of the #23 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3.
It is one of two entries the manufacturer will race at the February 3-5 event, with Strauss to be joined by 12 Hour debutants Jann Mardenborough and Todd Kelly in the other.
“I’m really looking forward to having a crack at the Bathurst 12 Hour again this year,” Chiyo said.
“I have strong team-mates. It’s like a dream team.
“I’m always excited when I hear about the Bathurst 12 Hour. It is such an amazing track, awesome fans with amazing history.”
If Chiyo can claim the chequered flag he will become the eighth driver to have multiple Bathurst 12 Hour wins to his credit.
John Bowe tops the list with three wins, having claimed victories in 1995 and 2010 then another in 2014 after the race was opened to GT3 vehicles.
Just as Chiyo will be pushing hard for another Nissan victory at Mount Panorama, so too will Strauss in the #24 entry.
The German has not finished off the podium at the Bathurst 12 Hour since he was a late call-up to replace Buncombe in 2015.
“Looking at the entry list, it looks like the Bathurst 12 Hour is going from strength to strength,” he said.
“There are a lot of good cars and teams that we will have to beat, but in the last two years, our car and team has performed outstanding.
“I’m really looking forward to achieving another great result.
“It’s one of my favourite race tracks in the world, not only because I had my biggest success there, but the place, the atmosphere with the fans makes it a spectacular experience.”
