Brad Schumacher and Michael Anderson are working together to contest the 6 Hour and are the only local team in the top class.

They will drive the very same Subaru Impreza that placed ninth outright last year, then piloted by James Abela and Cameron Hill.

The duo feel their biggest advantage is their local knowledge of the track, having been around more times than most drivers in the field.

“Any track you want to win at, you want to win at Bathurst,” Mr Anderson said.

“Come Sunday afternoon, hopefully we’re in a good position and put the car in a good spot.”

Of course, it won’t be an easy drive for the locals, who will be up against a strong field that includes Supercars talents Chaz Mostert, Tim Slade and Todd Hazelwood. 

“It is a very high standard of racing here and we are thrilled to be a part of it as Bathurst locals, born and bred,” Mr Schumacher said. 

He and Mr Anderson will be part of a field of 62 cars, just short of last year’s record, when the race gets under way on Sunday.

They will be there with the support of their families and a great pit crew. 

“Between both of us, we’re very family orientated and a family team; Brad and I have known each other for I don’t know how long now, and our families knew each other before that,” Mr Anderson said. 

“Family is a big part of what we do. It doesn’t make it very exciting if you come to the track by yourself and go home by yourself.” 

Mayor Graeme Hanger said it’s important to note that this race is open to everyone, not just teams with a lot of money behind them.

“They are privateers, a lot of them. They put a lot of time and effort and energy into it just to race at Mount Panorama,” he said. 

“By about 11 o’clock on Sunday morning, with half an hour to go, the nerves will be churning, the butterflies will be flapping around in the stomach, but they will be so excited to just get out there and have a crack.” 

The 6 Hour is also an affordable event on the motor sport calendar for spectators, with patrons able to enter over the weekend and have full access for just a small price. 

Cr Hanger said the other good thing about the event is that it is going to get bigger and bring in more economic benefits for the community. 

“All the teams come from various parts and they all have accommodation, they all need fuel just for their family car, they visit the supermarkets and if we get a cool day they’ll be into some of the big stores to get warm clothes, so we are really, really happy about that whole thing,” he said.

“It brings so many people into town.”

Mr Schumacher also sees great growth ahead for the endurance race. 

“I see this event the same as the Bathurst 12 Hour when it started years ago. It wasn’t gaining massive crowds, it didn’t have a lot of TV coverage, if any. Now it is a huge event, bringing in massive crowds, it’s got all sorts of TV coverage all over the world,” he said.

“This is now in its third year as the Bathurst 6 Hour, again started out slow the first year, but now just look at it this year. You’ve got international drivers, Supercars drivers and Fox Sports coming on to televise; it is building up just like the Bathurst 12 Hour did.” 

To find out more about the 6 Hour, visit www.bathurst6hour.com.au.