Devon Modell heads ‘down under’ to tackle the undulations of Australia’s spectacular Mount Panorama circuit as part of Rotek Racing’s 2015 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour attack (6-8 February).
Mount Panorama is a unique and merciless motorsport venue in the heart of New South Wales, Australia.
At 6.21km in length, it rises 174 metres and comprises several challenging corners, including The Dipper – a steep, sharp left-hander – and Forrest’s Elbow, which leads onto the 1.91km-long Conrod Straight.
Rotek Racing claimed a Class B pole position at last year’s event and was on course for a class victory, before mechanical issues brought its race to a premature end.
This year, the Nürburgring-based team will field a sole Class B Porsche 997 GT3 Cup for Tim Macrow, Peter Rullo and Modell, who opened his 2015 account with a podium finish in the ninth-annual Dubai 24 Hour behind the wheel of a Speedworks Motorsport-run Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4.
Having also claimed a top three finish on his Blancpain Endurance Series debut in the latter half of 2014, Modell has shown an innate ability to adapt to unfamiliar tracks and racecars, although the Maidstone, England resident refuses to underestimate ‘The Mountain’ he will have to climb on his Bathurst debut.
“It’s one of those iconic races that you have do and tick off your racing bucket list, but I’m going into it very open minded,” said Modell. “As it’s one of the big races on the calendar, I am hoping to gain a lot of experience and broaden my CV, and if I do well, a team may approach me next season looking for an experienced driver.
“As it’s a new track and car, the best way to learn is to ask those who are experienced in both. There is nothing better than taking tips from someone with experience and knowledge. As for the time difference, your body clock is all over the place, and, as it’s an endurance race, you have to focus on the job at hand and get on with it. Obviously I’d like to come away with a win, but I’ll still be more than happy with a podium. It will also be nice to escape this cold weather snap and return with a tan.”
For more information on the 2015 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hours, visit the official www.bathurst12hour.com website, ‘like’ the Facebook page or follow @Bathurst12hour on Twitter.
And for more information on Devon Modell and his racing actives, please follow @Devon_Modell on Twitter.