New Zealand has made its mark on the Bathurst 12 Hour event, with strong results from Kiwi drivers in practice session one. TMR’s Ian ‘Inky’ Tulloch and the team of Motorsport Services all have top three times in their respective categories.

 

Despite having gearbox problems, TMR Lancer Evo of defending champions Rod Salmon, Damian White and new recruit Ian Tulloch posted a time of 2:29.1641, putting them in outright second and second in Class A.

Tulloch commented, “We had a few issues with the car. It’s got a long way to go but it’s feeling pretty good. The first day is just about getting your head around this track, getting yourself in the right place to attack it.”

The Motorsport Services BMW 130i of Scott O’Donnell, Bob Grove and Allan Dippie posted a best time of 2:53.6776, placing them in 35th position overall and seventh in Class C. The team reported electrical gremlins which hampered their performance in the one hour session.

 

After his first laps of Mt Panorama, Grove remarked, “To finally run up the top and down Conrod after all this time of following Bathurst is just amazing, beyond belief. It gives you a real appreciation for what Bathurst is all about. The car had a minor electrical problem but feels good. It’s tight, agile and it’s just a matter of keeping it where I want it t be.”

 

Top of the time charts after session one is the Mitsubishi Evo of Steve Owen, James Koundouris and Theo Koundouris with a time of 2:28.8625.

 

The drivers have a second practice session today, with a third session and qualifying tomorrow for the 12 Hour event on Sunday.

Media: Tom Worsley; Photo:speedshots.com.au 12th Feb 10