2012 Bathurst 12 Hour - 24-26 February

[racer69]

Originally Posted by GTRMagic

Its simple. A couple of years ago, the production cars were the headline act at the B12, there was a genuine opportunity for them to win or place well in the race, to get some teev airtime (albeit mostly via live streaming) and it was relatively easy to justify the investment to build, prepare & run a car for the B12.

When the GT class' introduction occurred, the production fellows were rendered mere class competitors. No guarantee of coverage, almost no chance of outright result. So why would a car owner like Rod Salmon for example, throw a couple of hundred thousand at TMR to run an Evo Lancer when the chances of outright success are between none and zero?

Lets not forget that most cars in either the GT's or Production car series are funding these gigs out of their own pockets. If they cant see that an investment from their own (or their business') pockets as valuable and worthy, given the product on offer, then it just isnt going to happen.

Pick on the production car blokes all you like, but its their money being spent.. and their call as to whether they do so or not, based on the competitiveness of the class they enter..

Agree completely.

Originally Posted by ff s conscience

When it was just proddies, you got minimal tv, and maybe live streaming...

now with GTs, you get a better coverage/exposure.

In 2010, the 12hr was streamed live and had a 3hr post produced TV program on Channel 7.

In 2011, the 12hr was streamed live and had a 3hr post produced TV program on ONE.

In 2012 the race is getting live coverage on the Australian version of Speed channel...but of course that channel wasn't around in 2010.

So there is little difference in the TV package then and now