In an exhilarating display of skill and strategy, Queensland’s own Matt Campbell has once again ascended to the top podium at the Repco Bathurst 12 Hour, marking his second triumph in this prestigious event. Alongside his teammates Laurens Vanthoor and Ayhancan Güven, Campbell steered the #912 Porsche to victory, navigating through a series of challenges, including a drive-through penalty, to secure a win for Manthey EMA.
Campbell’s win came after a nail-biting restart triggered by a safety car late in the race, thwarting defending champion Jules Gounon and Sun Energy’s late charge for a fourth consecutive win. The Warwick native, fresh from his Rolex 24 at Daytona victory, showcased his exceptional racing prowess throughout the event, leading the team to overcome mixed weather conditions and maintain a competitive edge.
The race was not without its drama, with a significant crash involving the pole-position BMW and multiple penalties shaking up the standings. Yet, despite these hurdles, the #912 Porsche managed to clinch the win, with Campbell expressing his elation at securing his second Bathurst title under challenging circumstances.
“Feels awesome, obviously second win, tough day, the weather, everything like that,” Campbell said.
“We were always running at the front and it wasn’t easy with the mixed conditions, thanks to Larry [Laurens] and Ayhancan, they did a fantastic job.
“We kept it off the walls and it was phenomenal. Second win, it’s unreal.”
The battle for the podium was intense, with Gounon managing to secure a third straight podium finish for SunEnergy1 Racing, alongside Luca Stolz and Kenny Habul, after fierce competition in the race’s final moments. Meanwhile, the #22 Audi, piloted by Christopher Haase, Kelvin van der Linde, and Liam Talbot, executed a strategic move at The Chase to snatch third place, narrowly edging out formidable competitors.
The event also saw a strong performance from the Porsche and BMW teams despite the early exit of a pole-sitting BMW due to a major crash. The race concluded with a record eight cars finishing on the lead lap, underscoring the high level of competition and skill displayed by the drivers of all participating teams.
As the Bathurst 12 Hour wraps up, attention shifts to the upcoming Repco Supercars Championship, with the Thrifty Bathurst 500 set to kick off next weekend at Mount Panorama. Fans and participants alike are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling racing saga, with practice sessions beginning this Friday.
Campbell’s remarkable victory at the Bathurst 12 Hour cements his status as a top-tier driver and highlights the dynamic and unpredictable nature of endurance racing. With a blend of skill, strategy, and teamwork, Campbell and his team have delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
As the sun set over the iconic Mount Panorama Circuit, the Bathurst 12 Hour concluded with scenes of jubilation and relief. The race, known for its gruelling demands on both car and driver, lived up to its reputation, delivering a spectacle filled with strategy, skill, and sheer determination. Matt Campbell’s Bathurst win is a testament to the intense preparation and teamwork required to conquer one of motorsport’s most challenging events.
As the teams pack up and the fans reflect on a weekend of thrilling motorsport action, the Bathurst 12 Hour once again proved why it is a jewel in the crown of Australian motorsport. The event’s mix of high-speed racing, strategic depth, and the sheer unpredictability of endurance racing delivered a spectacle that will keep fans returning to the mountain.
Since the event’s inception, the Bathurst 12 Hour has raised international exposure for Australian Motorsport, and with the introduction of other GT cars, the popularity of the event has seen unprecedented domestic interest also, with a record number of campers taking to the mountain this
