Returning New Zealand racing talent Richie Stanaway will be in action for his new team, Triple Eight Race Engineering, as early as next month as he competes in the Bathurst 12 Hour.
The Kiwi will join the likes of Jamie Whincup and Prince Jefri Ibrahim in the Boost Mobile Racing #99 Mercedes-AMG GT3 to race in the Pro-Am class.
Whilst a familiar face in GT racing in past, Stanaway has yet to compete in the Bathurst 12 Hour. He did, however, compete in last year’s Bathurst 1000 with Greg Murphy, putting in a monster qualifying lap to start fourth.
He has good company for his debut in the event, Whincup needing no introduction whilst Ibrahim was on the podium with Shane van Gisbergen and Broc Feeney.
Stanaway says he’s excited for the drive, stating “this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour is going to be a great race to be a part of.
“I’ve never raced at the 12 Hour before. I did a lot of GT racing when I was in Europe, but it’s been two years now since I’ve driven a GT car.
“I’m looking forward to getting the feeling of a GT car again with its extra downforce compared to what I’ve driven in the past few years. It’s going to really helpful for me to drive at Bathurst again and complete more laps than what I would have done at last year’s Bathurst 1000.
“It’s one of the top international events in the world, and I’m looking forward to experiencing what it’s like. I’m also excited to be sharing a car with Prince Jefri and Jamie – he’s someone I’ve looked up to my whole career.”
Van Gisbergen and Feeney are also competing in this year’s race, however in the returning Pro class. They’re joined by Maximilian Götz in Triple Eight Engineering’s other entry.
Peter Adderton, Boost Mobile Founder, has long been a backer of Stanaway so it’s little surprise to see he’s supporting the team with their second entry.
He says he’s excited at the prospect of Stanaway in the enduro alongside some of the world’s top talent.
“We look forward to seeing Boost Mobile Racing in action at this year’s 12 Hour in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 run by Triple Eight Race Engineering. We wish Jamie, Richie, Prince Jefri Ibrahim and the team all the best for the 12 Hour – what a great combination.
“As for Richie – we have supported athletes in various sports for more than 20 years, including in Australian Motorsport. We have always believed in Richie and that he deserves a full-time drive in Supercars.
“On the back of the great performance with Greg Murphy at the 2022 Bathurst 1000, it’s great that Jamie and the team at Triple Eight also appreciate his talent.”
The Bathurst 12 Hour takes place on February 3-5.
