Focus V8s confirmed for B12H as field expands

Three Ford Focus V8s have been given the green light to race in the 2014 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour following the addition of a fourth invitational class.

Based on the South African GTC concept developed by Pace Innovations, the Ryan McLeod-run cars feature a purpose built chassis fitted with Focus bodypanels, a 5.0 litre Ford Coyote engine and an Albins transaxle gearbox.

McLeod will run the cars in a variety of endurance events around the world next year following their debut at Bathurst and says that, like in the GTC series, a mix of bodystyles will eventually be seen.

McLeod, whose team will soon receive its second complete chassis from Pace Innovations, hopes that several young drivers will be amongst his large Bathurst crew.

“Jake Camilleri, Keith Kassulke and Damien Ward have all been part of our program before and will be part of it next year,” he said of the driving line-up.

“We’re also currently negotiating with several young drivers to be part of the program.

“In the past young drivers like Chaz Mostert, Scott Pye and Ash Walsh have been involved and we are keen to expand the young driver platform and blood new drivers.”

A revised 50 car entry list has been released by race organisers today, up six from that seen in August.

A second Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG from reigning race winners Erebus Motorsport is the most high profile addition.

Victorian state-level team Vicious Rumour Racing has also joined the field, adding a fourth Ferrari 458 GT3 to those entered by Maranello Motorsport, AF Corse and Clearwater Racing.

Other additions consist of a second Type 997 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup for Indiran Padayachee and a similar entry for GT3 Cup Challenge front-runners Copyworld Motorsports.

Maranello has this week confirmed its full driving squad, with Finn Mika Salo returning alongside John Bowe, car owner Peter Edwards and new-for-2014 recruit Craig Lowndes.

Five more entries will be taken before the event reaches its grid capacity cut-off.

Race organisers announced earlier this month that the 12 Hour will enjoy live free-to-air television coverage in 2014 for the first time since its return in 2007.

See below for the latest entry list