Owner of The Boat Works and two-time Bathurst Champion Tony Longhurst and his GT4 motorsport team, will make its debut at the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12-hour, 2 to 4 February at the iconic Mount Panorama circuit.
Known as the southern hemisphere’s premier boating event, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will sponsor Longhurst’s The Boat Work’s entry for the upcoming 12-hour endurance race this February.
The relationship will endure in the form of promotional activities in the lead up to SCIBS, which celebrates its milestone 30th anniversary in 2018, and runs from Thursday, May 24 to Sunday, May 27 on Queensland’s Gold Coast.
The synergies between the two events are evident: in its 30 years, SCIBS has grown to become one of the most important B2B events on the Australian boating calendar , attracting more than 300 exhibitors and 40,000 visitors over four days.
“When we set up this team we were determined to do it right,” said Longhurst.
“We wanted everything first class and this partnership with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is a perfect fit.
“We look forward to the terrific exposure we can generate for the 30th edition of SCIBS, but even more importantly, the program is a terrific way to bring so many elements and members of the marine industry together, uniting fans of motor sport and the boating lifestyle.”
Passionate sailor, Longhurst will share his BMW GT4 with talented young Gold Coast drivers Aaron Seton and Matt Brabham – both third-generation drivers from two of Australia’s most famous motorsport families.
“The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show team have developed an impressive program of activities around their milestone anniversary showcase and we are excited to be a part of that.
“This is a perfect example of a motorsport partnership which is much more than just a sticker on the side of a car. We have the opportunity to build some terrific experiences for both industry and visitors.”
SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser said the partnership is an exciting addition to the 2018 program.
“30 years is a milestone we are proud and excited to share with our exhibitors, visitors and supporters, including Tony and The Boat Works team as a result of our new partnership,” Mr Hasser said.
“We are thrilled with how the 2018 Show has been embraced and I am sure our involvement with Tony and his team at the 12-hour will spark the interest of our current audience, as well as a whole new one.
“Over the past 29 years, SCIBS has welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors to the Show and created an economic impact in excess of $A3 billion.
“We have some exciting things planned with Tony and his team in the lead-up to, and during, SCIBS in May, but in the meantime we are keen to see a great result at Bathurst this weekend!”
Matt Brabham believes the partnership is “a perfect example of what can be achieved when two parties are enthusiastic about a common goal”.
“I can’t wait to get out there at Mt Panorama for the first time and fly the colours of all parties involved. It means a lot to be given this opportunity by Tony and the support of a local entity like the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show adds another layer to it.”
Aaron Seton was impressed with the looks and potential of the new BMW GT4, saying “I think the car looks fantastic!”
“I remember heading out to Sanctuary Cove event as a kid and being mesmerized by all the boats and everything else that was going on. So many boaties are also motorsport fans so I think this is a win-win for everyone involved.”
The high-tech, carbon fibre BMW GT4 was unveiled by Longhurst, SCIBS general manager Johan Hasser and Aaron Seton at Sanctuary Cove recently and is onsite at Mt Panorama for trials.
The Boat Works/Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show entry will compete in the GT4 category of the 12-hour which has attracted 50 entries in total.
The team also has support from Club Marine, Castrol, 3M, Gold Coast BMW, HVG and Raymarine/ Australian Marine Wholesale.
TELECAST TIMES:
Information on how to watch the event Sat 3/2/18, Sun 4/2/18: Live Streaming
Saturday 3/2/18 Top ten shootout 4:00pm
Sunday 4/2/218 Race starts from 5:45am concludes at 5:45pm
Live Streaming available via: 7mate & Bathurst12 site
Note: Class C – GT4
GT4 is the baby brother of GT3, for more production-based GT vehicles complying to the global GT4 regulations.
A ‘boom’ category in global GT competition, GT4 is growing in Australia with major brands keen to invest in the class and build its profile here.
The stand-alone GT4 class is set to be one of the most hotly contested ‘races within a race’ in the 2018 Bathurst 12 Hour.
Fast Facts:
Circuit Length: 6.213km
Length of Conrod Straight = 1.916km
Length of Mountain Straight = 1.111km
Highest Point: 862m above sea level
