MOTORSPORT: Brock inspires Bathurst 12 Hour winner
Kenny Habul credits Peter Brock with his sports car triumph at Mount Panorama as Mercedes-AMG claims historic 1-2-3A kid who swept the floor at Peter Brock’s workshop, then became a billionaire businessman in the USA, has claimed the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race in one of the most emotional finishes ever seen at Mount Panorama yesterday.
On a day of nasty weather and high drama, Kenny Habul led an historic Mercedes-AMG podium sweep of the sports car classic with co-drivers Jules Gounon, Luca Stolz and Martin Konrad.
Audi R8s were the quickest through practice and qualifying, but fewer problems and superior strategy worked for the blitzing Benzes that finished 1-2-3, with Maro Engel anchoring in second, just 8.7sec behind, and Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen doing the heavy lifting for third, also on 291 laps.
It was Mercedes-AMG’s first win at Bathurst since 2013 and marked the first time a manufacturer has claimed the top three placings in the Intercontinental GT Challenge (IGTC).
But it was Habul, who owns the Holden Commodore that Brock raced to his final Bathurst 1000 win in 1987, who was the most emotional – and he’s even putting down roots at the famous 6.2km road circuit.
“I bought a house on Conrod [Straight]. I love it. It’s a beautiful property. I’m going to build a new house there,” Habul said as he celebrated.
“It’s a place for my kids to come. I really want them to spend more time here and there is no better place to learn more about Australia.”
Habul paid tribute to Brock and his wife Bev, who were key in his childhood.
“I had a rough upbringing. He looked after me. He took me in. I swept the floors and washed the wheels,” Habul said.
“When everyone went home I jumped in the race car. As a kid with dreams, he was the ultimate.
“It’s a dream. It’s a dream and I’m just thankful for this race. Thankful for the history that makes this so special,” he said.
2022 Bathurst 12 Hour results:
- Kenny Habul/Jules Gounon/Luca Stolz/Martin Konrad – Mercedes-AMG GT3
- Maro Engel/Daniel Juncadella/Kevin Tse – Mercedes-AMG GT3
- Shane Van Gisbergen/Broc Feeney/Jefri Ibrahim – Mercedes-AMG GT3
- Kevin van der Linde/Nathanael Berthon/Brad Schumacher – Audi R8 GT3
- Tony D’Alberto/David Wall/Grant Denyer/Adrian Deitz – Lamborghini Huracan GT3
Related: MOTORSPORT: Racing for a good cause at Bathurst 6 Hour
Join the conversation at
Or email us at
Or email us at
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
