Melbourne-based Daytona Sportscars have become an institution at the event since their 2013 debut, first running their iconic Chevrolet-powered Daytona Coupe before upgrading to a Dodge Viper Competition Coupe this year.

The team has confirmed plans to run both cars at Mount Panorama next year in their biggest attack yet on winning the invitational class, not to mention a potential record for the ‘most engine capacity entered by a two car team at Bathurst’.

“Daytona sports cars is moving up to a two-car team for the 2018 Bathurst 12 Hour with the seven litre Daytona Coupe as well as the 8.4 litre Dodge Viper GT3 car,” Jamie Augustine, who has been a key component in the team’s plans since their Bathurst debut, said.

“Both cars are already being prepared for this event with fresh running gear and the appropriate updates for the 12 Hour.

“Both of these cars are capable of lapping in the sub 2:10 times with the right driver, and either car is a contender for a class win and a top 15 outright if all goes well.

“The team is an experienced endurance racing team with members from Formula 1, V8 Supercars, and the professional motor sport industry.”

The team made their debut in 2013 and reached the finish for the first time two years later, with Augustine, Ray Hislop and Ben Schoots 33rd outright. The team then finished sixth in class this year.