BATHURST 12 HOURS: Campbell Claims Second Victory at Mount Panorama
BATHURST 12 HOURS: Campbell Claims Second Victory at Mount Panorama
February 18, 2024 – Amidst torrential rain and treacherous conditions, Australian endurance star Matt Campbell secured his second Repco Bathurst 12-hour victory at Mount Panorama, solidifying his status as an endurance racing great. Campbell, alongside co-drivers Laurens Vanthoor and Ayhancan Guven, steered their #912 Porsche 911 GT3 R to victory, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.
The grueling race, which witnessed 275 laps around the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit, was a test of skill and endurance for the drivers as they battled not just each other but also the elements. Campbell’s victory comes just weeks after his triumph at the 24 Hours of Daytona, showcasing his prowess on the international racing stage.
“It was awesome,” exclaimed Campbell, reflecting on the win amidst challenging weather conditions. “Second win here. A tough day, the weather, everything like that.”
The victory not only cements Campbell’s status as an endurance racing great but also marks the first Bathurst win for both Vanthoor and Guven, adding another layer of significance to their achievement. The #77 Mercedes-AMG GT3 team, driven by Jules Gounon, Luca Stolz, and Kenny Habul, finished a close second, just 3.4 seconds behind the winning team.
Campbell’s success underscores his exceptional talent and adaptability, as he navigated the challenging conditions with precision and determination. His performance in the rain-impacted hours of the race proved pivotal, showcasing his ability to excel even in the most adverse circumstances.
The Bathurst 12-hour victory adds another chapter to Campbell’s remarkable career, which includes triumphs at prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Daytona 24 Hours. As he continues to shine on the global stage, Campbell’s legacy in endurance racing is firmly cemented.
Intense Battle for Remaining Podium Spots
In a thrilling spectacle of endurance racing, the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hours delivered an action-packed event at the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit in Australia. The fierce battle for the remaining podium spots saw Team WRT’s #46 car, driven by Maxime Martin, Valentino Rossi, and Rafaelle Marciello, fight hard throughout the race, ultimately finishing fifth.
Gounon, renowned for his skill and tenacity, demonstrated remarkable composure as he navigated the challenging conditions and fierce competition. Gounon’s pursuit of a historic fourth win kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end, highlighting the intensity and drama of endurance racing at its finest.
In a testament to Gounon’s resilience, he managed to fend off a charging Jaxon Evans, whose bold maneuver at The Chase added another layer of excitement to the race. Despite the pressure, Gounon maintained his position, securing a third straight podium for the SunEnergy1 Racing team.
The battle for the remaining podium spots was equally fierce, with Audi’s Liam Talbot, Kelvin van der Linde, and Christopher Haase ultimately claiming third place, rounding out a podium filled with talent and determination.
As the racing season continues, the Bathurst 12 Hours has set the stage for an exciting year of endurance racing, with Campbell, Gounon, and other top drivers vying for victory in the world’s most prestigious events.
🔗 Source