Florian Strauss will replace Alex Buncombe in the NISMO Athlete Global Team at the 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour.
Buncombe had been confirmed to drive the #35 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3, alongside fellow NISMO Athletes Katsumasa Chiyo and Wolfgang Reip.
The birth of Buncombe’s first child was originally anticipated last week. But with ‘Baby Buncombe’ having other ideas and now expected to arrive this week, Buncombe will miss the Bathurst 12 Hour to be with Gemma and their newborn.
The late call-up for Strauss comes after he was one of the most impressive drivers in the field at the 2015 Dubai 24 Hours last month. The 2013 GT Academy Germany winner was entrusted with duties as the ‘pro’ driver in the Nissan GT Academy Team RJN entry despite holding a racing licence for just 18 months.
Leading the way for his four 2014 GT Academy winner team-mates – all competing in their first event – Strauss drove a superb race that saw the #23 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 finish fifth overall and second in GT3 Pro-Am category in a world class GT3 sportscar field.
Driving alongside Buncombe in the 2014 Blancpain Endurance Series, Strauss raced with distinction at daunting circuits such as Spa Franchorchamps for the Spa 24 Hours and the Nürburgring Nordschliefe for the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
The 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour will be held at the Mount Panorama circuit on 6-8 February 2015. Check YouTube for video content from the event and follow on Facebook at NISMO Australia.
Quotes
Florian Strauss: “I remember arriving home from the UK after completing the Nissan Driver Development Programme this time last year,” said Strauss.
“One of the first things I did was watch the livestream from Bathurst and think how cool it would be if one day I could race at such a special place. I think that explains how thrilled I am with this opportunity!
“The track at Mount Panorama has always been a favourite of mine as it is like a little Nürburgring Nordschleife. The team put in a great effort last year so now I am more than excited to take Godzilla around the mountain and team up with Wolfie and Chiyo-san.
“I’ve never been to Australia so I’m really looking forward to experiencing a new country and meeting lots of new people.”
Alex Buncombe: “Pulling out of Bathurst 12 Hour has been a very hard decision as I’m still waiting for the arrival of my first child, who is late, and timings have not worked out,” said Buncombe.
“I feel we have unfinished business at Bathurst having shown our strength in 2014 and was looking forward to another challenge around the mountain in 2015. I wish the team the very best of luck and hope to be there next year.”
Darren Cox – Global Head of Brand, Marketing & Sales, NISMO: “It turns out that Baby Buncombe isn’t as fast as his or her Dad!” said Cox. “It’s great to be able to give Florian this opportunity though, as he has impressed us every time he has got into one of our cars. We hope Bathurst is ready for ‘The Terminator’.”