Back-to-back GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS champion Liam Talbot is a last minute entry into the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour in a Pro-Class Audi.
Talbot will swap the Prancing Horse and return to the Audi Sport Customer Racing Australia camp after winning the 2023 GT World Challenge Australia title with the squad.
Since then, Talbot succeeded in becoming a back-to-back champion with series debutant Arise Racing GT in 2024 to deliver the Ferrari 296 GT3 a dream first season result alongside Chaz Mostert.
Joining Talbot is another GT World Challenge Australia race winner in the form of Repco Supercars Championship star Broc Feeney and former factory Audi pilot Ricardo Feller.
Racing under the JAMEC Racing and Team MPC banners, the trio will aim to take Audi’s fourth victory in Australia’s leading international endurance event by honouring the R8 GT3 LMS Evo II, which ended production last year.
The entry will race under the number 183 to represent the production run of the model, which is one of the most successful in GT3 racing globally.
The squad finished third in the event last year featuring Talbot in its line-up, while Feeney enjoys recent form in GT3 machinery at the circuit after qualifying second in the last two editions of the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour.
Feeney was without a drive until this entry was put together last minute.
“I’m thankful to Troy and Steve for making it happen. I was benched at pretty late notice and I had my helmet off and was going to be sitting on the sidelines, so I couldn’t have been happier when the phone rang,” Feeney said.
“It’s been an awesome event for me and being on the front row for the last two years has made it super special but it made it more painful to know I was missing out.
“It’s a great opportunity to get laps before the start of our season at a huge event and one of my favourites.
“When I spoke with Troy (Russell, MPC co-owner) we were both on the same page and we didn’t want to waste time doing it unless we could go there and fight for the win. With the drivers, the team and the car we have every opportunity to get some great results.
“It’s been super last minute, but they’re super confident in their package and I’m excited.”
JAMEC Racing returns to racing after contesting the 2023 GT World Challenge Australia season with Geoff Emery.
“Initially we weren’t going to run – in the past we have had support from Audi however unfortunately they’ve wound down their factory support globally,” said JAMEC Racing’s Steve McLaughlin.
“The Audi was quite strong internationally throughout 2024 and once we knew we could secure Ricardo Feller we were able to put this program together.
“We know what he’s capable of on the mountain and we were only interested in running if we were in with a chance to win the race. We’re not there to make up the numbers.
“I knew about Broc and he’s done a great job the last couple of years and has been equal to anyone at Mountain. Liam has a ton of experience in the car and will be right there.
“It won’t be equipment and won’t be drivers that puts us out of contention - if lady luck gets us into the last hour then we should be competitive.
“Personally, I’m still keen to support the category and the race and have another Audi on the grid and hopefully it’s great for those that follow the brand and our team.”
The Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour will be held on January 31-February 2.