After four highly productive free practice sessions, which have seen all our drivers bedding in superbly on our Bathurst 12 Hour debut, now it’s ‘backs against the wall’ as our first ‘race’ of the weekend is to ensure we are on the grid when the lights turn green here at exactly 0545 tomorrow morning.
That’s because – agonisingly – the #77 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup hit the wall during the dying seconds of this afternoon’s final qualifying session at Bathurst’s legendary Mt. Panorama Circuit.
But while we are certainly one of the smallest teams on the bumper entry list, we have a fighting spirit and sheer desire to get out and race to match anyone in the paddock here. Our crew, with plenty of outside support, is working around the clock to ensure that we will line up on the grid tomorrow morning.
It’s already been a busy week for Team NZ Motorsport, as we had to make a very late driver substitution due to a leg injury that was picked up by our core driver Graeme Dowsett just last week.
While we are certainly going to miss Graeme’s reliable, quick and smooth presence behind the wheel, we believe we have made a strong and capable substitution as Nick Foster has been drafted into the roster. It was a no brainer really, Nick, the 2015 Porsche Carrera Cup Australia champion, was actually coming down to Bathurst to help the team out this weekend, we just had to tell him to bring his helmet and overalls with him.
Nick has joined John Curran, Will Bamber and Craig Smith on the driving strength. Over the four free practice sessions – which added up to five hours of track time – all our “Bathurst Rookies” have been turning in invaluable laps of the legendary 6.213 km/23 turn Mt. Panorama Circuit. Everyone, drivers and crew, has slotted together perfectly.
Now we have a real fight on our hands before the lights even turn green but there was never any doubt we would do everything possible to make it to the grid, motivation is sky high. We made a very late entry into the race and to race at Bathurst has been everybody’s dream. We’re working to realise that. Our sponsors are us giving tremendous input and from the paddock we are have been getting so much support to get the #77 car repaired. It’s going to be a long night.
Team NZ Motorsport is being supported at the 2016 Bathurst 12 Hour by Completion Products, Asia Pacific Spiral, Nakd Water, Motosure and Impact Speed Park.
About Team NZ Motorsport
Team NZ Motorsport was formed in 2013 to support young developing drivers in karting and junior categories before it quickly evolved and acquired a Porsche 997 GT3 Cup. In 2014 Graeme Dowsett and John Curran began racing the Porsche throughout Asia.
Team NZ Motorsport is a family orientated concern that is growing steadily with robust resources, knowledge and connections. The team has contested two endurance races so far, both successfully, winning GTC at the Sepang 12 Hours in 2014 and following that up finishing runner up in 2015. In 2014 Team NZ Motorsport completed a part season in Malaysian Super Series (MSS) and in 2015 a part season in Thailand Super Series (TSS). In 2016 the team will contest the Bathurst 12 Hour in February as well as returning to TSS.
Team NZ Motorsport’s strategic ambition is to continue to develop, support promising young drivers and to enjoy the sport.