02 Nov APC STALWART MAKES GT4 STEP FOR BATHURST INTERNATIONAL
Production car racing stalwart and 2019 Bathurst 6 Hour winner, Tim Leahey, will line-up with the Monochrome GT4 Australia field for the first time at next weekend’s season-ending Bathurst International.
Leahey will be fielding a brand-new 2023 BMW G82 M4 – the first of its kind to race in Australia – at the event which will host a combined 45-strong grid for Monochrome GT4 Australia and Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars.
Four x 30-minute races will be held across the November 10-12 event to close out the 2023 season for both categories.
“I got the opportunity through BMW to get this car and I was quick to take it – it looks like a good thing. It is the first BMW G82 race car, the first of that series to run here. They have been very successful overseas in America and Europe, so I see no reason why it shouldn’t be competitive here,” said Leahey, who will compete with the support of Central West Prestige BMW.
“They have done a great job with the car, it is going to depend more on the thing between the seat and the steering wheel – he is a bit rusty and been enjoying the good life a bit too much, so is carrying a bit of extra ballast!” he laughed.
“We have put the car on the dyno and also did some test laps at Winton, and now we will go to Bathurst and have a bit of fun! And this new car has air conditioning! The only thing missing is the cup holder,” he laughed.
“In all seriousness though, we will be going there to win – you always have to race with that mindset.”
Like so many of his fellow drivers, Leahey notes the Bathurst track is something special.
“I love the track, I really enjoy it – when I go there and put the helmet on, I drive around and I have no time to think about work, it is just head down focusing on driving and hanging on and I really love that,” Leahey said.
“I am looking forward to having a crack at the Bathurst International and seeing how it goes. It will be good to be up there, and it will be great to see how the car goes against the Porsches and McLarens.”
Leahey will be running with the support of BMW at the event, competing side-by-side with his long-time Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars and Bathurst 6 Hour team-mate, Beric Lynton.
“Beric will be running the production carn and I will run the GT4 car, with assistance from Ashley Seward who has been helping me prep the car and get it up to speed,” Leahey said.
“We are looking forward to seeing what we can do in both categories.”
For further information about Monochrome GT4 Australia and Mobil 1 Australian Production Cars, please contact admin@ausprodcars.com.au or visit www.ausprodcars.com.au.