Heart of Racing by SPS debuts at the Bathurst 12 Hour

After the 24H Dubai 2024, SPS automotive performance and Heart of Racing will seamlessly continue their cooperation. From 16 to 18 February, the joint venture will enter the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour with the #27 Mercedes-AMG GT3 under the Heart of Racing by SPS banner. Ian James, Ross Gunn (both GBR) and Alex Riberas (ESP) will share driving duties in this demanding race.

The Repco Bathurst 12 Hour marks the start of the 2024 Intercontinental GT Challenge and is one of the highlights of the global racing calendar. The demanding Mount Panorama Circuit in south-east Australia offers a unique challenge for man and machine with its tight uphill and downhill sections. The team from Obersulm, Germany and their US partners from Heart of Racing will take on this challenge for the first time next year.

With the #27 Mercedes-AMG GT3, which will compete under the name of Heart of Racing by SPS, the driver trio of Ian James, Ross Gunn and Alex Riberas will battle with the world elite of GT3 racing at Bathurst. Team principal Ian James contested all races for Heart of Racing by SPS last year and celebrated two class victories and a class podium in three races. Experienced Briton Ross Gunn, who has already enjoyed many races and successes in prestigious series such as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the FIA WEC, will also take his seat in the cockpit of the number 27 car. The line-up is completed by Alex Riberas. The Spaniard also has many years of experience in top-class GT championships. Last year, Riberas and Heart of Racing finished fourth in the GTDPRO class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The driver trio will line up in the Pro-Am category for their first joint appearance at Bathurst.

Through its motorsport programmes, Heart of Racing raises funds for paediatric research, in particular for Seattle Children's Hospital, one of the largest institutions of its kind. SPS automotive performance is proud to be part of this project at the legendary Australian endurance classic.

The Repco Bathurst 12 Hour will traditionally start on 18 February in the early hours of the morning at 05:45 local time. The drive into the sunrise on the unmistakable Mount Panorama Circuit provides spectacular images.

Stephan Sohn, team principal SPS automotive performance: "We are very excited about the Bathurst 12 Hour challenge. The track is really unique and very demanding. Starting in the darkness is also a first for us. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 has been the car to beat in recent years. That makes us optimistic that we can show a good performance in this race. The drivers and the team are highly motivated to achieve a good result."