THE big factory teams have begun rolling into town ahead of this weekend’s Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race.
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German powerhouse Audi Race Experience Team Joest arrived at Mount Panorama yesterday morning, unveiling the two 2010 specification Audi R8 LMS vehicles.
The team was lured to Bathurst by councillor Warren Aubin in August last year.
Cr Aubin attended the annual Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race at Sepang in Malaysia with Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour event director James O’Brien.
The pair hoped to raise the profile of Mount Panorama and the Bathurst area among international racing teams.
“Our aim over there was to secure entries into our race because we had just opened it up to production cars,” Cr Aubin said.
“The Audi team showed huge interest. We mentioned Mount Panorama and their eyes just grew.”
Cr Aubin said the trip to Malaysia, which was funded by Bathurst Regional Council, had paid dividends.
“The Audi team are here because of our trip to Sepang,” he said. “It’s a big coup. I think the 12 Hour has the potential to become a major player on the international endurance racing circuit.”
Mr O’Brien said Audi’s participation was sure to bring further international exposure.
The Audi team, headlined by reigning Bathurst 1000 champion Craig Lowndes, will compete against renowned brands such as BMW, Porsche, Chevrolet and Ferrari.
Twenty-eight cars, including 17 different models, will line up on the grid in the endurance race on Sunday.
The race will feature drivers from Australia and around the world.