Brabham BT62 set for Bathurst record attempt
Aussie built supercar aiming for new ‘Lap of the Gods’ at Mt Panorama as part of Bathurst 12 Hour festivalEmerging Australian supercar marque Brabham Automotive is planning to set a new tin-top lap record at Mt Panorama as part of its east coast public debut at the Liqui Moly Bathurst 12 Hour.
Although the new track-only supercar does not currently qualify for any racing class and is not strictly a street car (although road car kits will be produced), carsales has confirmed the BT62 will attempt a record during demo runs at the upcoming 12 Hour race weekend.
An executive from event promoter Supercars Australia confirmed the record attempt at today’s unveiling of the Mercedes-AMG GT4 in Melbourne.
The BT62 is aiming for a sub 1min 59sec lap. Recently an unrestricted Audi R8 LMS Ultra GT3 racer posted 1:59.3 in the hands of factory steerer, Christopher Mies. The current GT3 lap record at Mt Panorama is held by Shane van Gisbergen in a McLaren 650S GT3 at 2:01.567.
The BT62 weighs 972kg and is powered by a 5.4-litre V8 that produces around 520kW. Previously the car has been demonstrated at December’s Adelaide Motorsport Festival. It will also be demonstrated at the opening round of the 2019 Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, the Superloop Adelaide 500 in March.
The BT62’s official test base is The Bend circuit near Tailem Bend in SA. Rumours have circulated that at that track the Brabham has been over 4sec per lap faster than the current crop of GT3 cars. Based on that projection a 1:56sec lap at The Mountain is a possibility if the car is allowed to run to its full potential.
Brabham Automotive intends to compete in the GTE Pro class of the 2021/22 World Endurance Championship and Le Mans 24 Hour.
Via an official Bathurst 12 Hour statement, Bathurst 1000 winner and Managing Director of Brabham Automotive, David Brabham stated: “Brabham Automotive is excited to be taking the Brabham BT62 to Bathurst for the first time. The iconic track has so much racing history and is held in such high regard all around the world.
“My father, Sir Jack Brabham, won the Bathurst 100 mile race back in 1960, including being clocked at 157mph down Conrod Straight, so we’ve seen success here over a number generations.”
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