Arise Racing GT made its first visit to Australia’s biggest racetrack – Mt Panorama in Bathurst – in November and claimed the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia championship in its debut season.
Now Arise has confirmed it’ll head back to ‘The Mountain’ in January within the seek for more trophies.
The West Australian-based team, which has the factory blessing of Ferrari, has confirmed it’ll take its pair of 296 GT3 racers to the 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour.
The team will split its two models though, with one competing within the Pro Class and one in Pro-Am, though each will compete for outright victory.
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Arise Racing GT owner Laurence Escalante has deep ties to Ferrari as a significant sponsor of the Italian brand’s Formula 1 team and was personally chosen to run the 296 GT3 program in Australia.
Despite the team’s immediate success within the local GT racing scene, the 12 Hour race might be a tougher challenge, as not only is it the longest race of its kind in Australia, it also attracts international teams backed by the factories as well.
There will even be pressure on Arise to uphold Ferrari’s honour on the Bathurst endurance race with the 458 GT3 winning in 2014 and the 488 GT3 claiming the race in 2017.
Since 2020 no Ferrari has competed, so Arise is bringing the Prancing Horse back to the mountain and gunning for a 3rd win for the brand.
“The 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour has been the last word goal of the Arise Racing GT program from the very start, and given Ferrari’s previous 12 Hour success, we feel like we’ve massive shoes to fill,” said Jordan Oon, Arise Racing GT Team Principal.
“The automotive performed brilliantly at the ultimate GTWCA round which is credit to Ferrari and Oreca for producing such a terrific package within the 296, and we cannot wait to push it to its limits in one of the vital demanding endurance events on the planet.”
The team hasn’t announced drivers for either entry, though the teams quartet of Chaz Mostert, Liam Talbot, Jaxon Evans and Elliott Schutte are all more likely to figure, however the team could also draft in international aces to strengthen their possibilities of a robust result.
Ferrari has factory GT drivers it will probably loan to its customer teams for these variety of marquee events and Arise has its own international connections it will probably work.
“We’re in the ultimate stages of securing some incredible driver lineups and are thrilled for the chance to compete amongst the very best GT3 Teams from each Australia and across the globe,” Mr Oon said.
“As all the time, I would like to thank Lance East Exotics, and the team – their exertions and dedication have been the explanation behind our success, now it’s time to tackle Bathurst!”
The 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour will run from January 31 to February 2, with the race starting at 5:45am AEDT.
While entries are still coming in for the race, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi has confirmed he plans to compete again in a factory-backed BMW M4 GT3.
This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au