A multi-year build-up will see Newcastle’s own racing team return to Mount Panorama this Easter.
Team Newcastle is expected to field a VE Holden V8 SSV Commodore in the 2021 Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6-Hour as part of a bumper grid of 60-plus production cars set to contest the Easter long weekend classic in Bathurst.
Backed by the Commodore Shop in Cardiff, owner James Herington will be joined by former Supercar driver Drew Russell and former Novocastrian Arthur Tsovolos aboard the Commodore in 2021.
Each have experience on the Mountain, while Herington and most of the pit crew were part of the 2018 attack.
“We’ve been contesting selected rounds of the New South Wales and Queensland Production Touring Car Series to prepare for Bathurst,” he said.
“We have also been running selected endurance events for two years to fine-tune the car’s endurance ability, reliability and set-up.
“It’s been a great chance to surround ourselves with the right people who can do the job come race weekend as well.
“We’re heading to Bathurst to give it everything we have and try to contest for a class victory.
“That’s the aim.”
The outfit’s Commodore SSV will contest the B2 class for high performance, rear-wheel drive – likely facing a host of similar opposition and a relatively level playing field.
In the meantime, they will be in the midst of what is building to be one of the largest grids in Bathurst’s long-distance racing history, with entries having topped the 60-car mark last week.
The Team Newcastle entry will be supported by a host of Newcastle-based businesses, including Commodore Shop, Mob Engines, Trick Signage, Guardian Fire Protection Services, Annex Biolube and Diff Trans.