Craig Lowndes will return to Mount Panorama this coming February to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour, representing the STM Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia team.
The Australian icon will rejoin the Scott Taylor Motorsport squad with Alex Davison, Geoff Emery and Taylor himself, stepping up from the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup used in this year’s edition to Taylor’s Mercedes AMG GT3.
They’re also moving from the Porsche GT3 Cup Car class, which they won, to compete in GT3 Pro-Am.
Ash Seward Motorsport will run the operation, the outfit with whom the team shared success with in 2022.
Whilst a competitive Bathurst 12 Hour is a key focus, there’s also an emphasis on increasing awareness of and raising funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
It’s a cause close to the heart of many, some 24,000 Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer annually with 3500 dying from it.
It’s also a problem here in New Zealand, over 3000 men diagnosed each year with more than 600 passing away because of it.
Lowndes has long been a supporter of the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s efforts to raise both funding and awareness for their efforts due to the implications the disease has had on his family.
He says he’s looking forward to the event and the chance to help spread the message.
“I am excited to be heading back to Mount Panorama with good mates for a great cause,” he said.
“Prostate Cancer has unfortunately impacted my family. So running a car in support of PCFA is a chance for us to have the conversation about getting checked, raising funds and having a red hot go at the podium”.
It’s also an illness which has had an effect on Davison’s family, his father Richard having battled the illness.
“It was easy to agree to come back and the step into the Mercedes AMG takes it to another level,” said the 18-time Bathurst 1000 starter.
“Ultimately we’re out there to have a good time and do everything possible to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, and if we can do that and enjoy the weekend as well then it will be very worthwhile.”
The team raised $67,000 for the charity this year and are hoping the step up in class and switch back to the traditional 3-5 February dates will see that number increase even more next year.
Fundraising methods will include donation points at the event, at the town-to-track activation on Thursday prior to the race and via online portals.
Further details, including the livery, of the Scott Taylor Motorsport Mercedes AMG GT3 is expected in the coming days.
Header image: The STM Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia team Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in action in this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour.
