2022 LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour runners-up Craft-Bamboo Racing are returning for a sixth appearance at Mount Panorama this year.
The Hong Kong-based team, which claimed victory on its last Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli outing at Indianapolis in October, has entered a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for Australia's International Enduro and 2023 IGTC season opener on February 3-5.
The team will confirm drivers, sponsor and livery closer to the event. However, it is expected to contest the Pro class with at least some form of factory involvement.
Craft-Bamboo challenged for victory in the 2022 race, with drivers Maro Engel, Daniel Juncadella and Kevin Tse finishing just eight seconds behind SunEnergy1.
It was a remarkable comeback for the team who failed to qualify and started last after having to undergo an engine change on Saturday.
Despite starting from the back, an unusual pitstop strategy helped the team lead at half distance and contend for the win right to the chequered flag.
It was also the team's best Bathurst result amidst a string of impressive performances at Mount Panorama.
They finished third on debut in 2015 with Aston Martin, before returning with a Porsche in 2018 to finish fifth.
After qualifying on the front row in 2019, Craft-Bamboo's first Bathurst in a Mercedes-AMG ended in a non-finish after damage caused overheating issues.
But it rebounded strongly a year later by qualifying second, ending the Pole Shootout in sixth position and finishing the race fifth.
2022's result came as part of a Mercedes-AMG podium lockout, the first time that had occurred in Bathurst 12 Hour history.
“The Bathurst 12 Hour has a special place in our hearts - which is why, despite all the challenges in 2022, we made the trip over to compete in this iconic event," said team director Darryl O’Young. “We have come close so many times, but have yet to take the win here in Bathurst as a team. We have worked hard on the preparation for this year’s event, taking all the years of experience here to try and use that to our advantage.
“This year’s race will have a lot of strong competition, so we will have to be sharp to have a chance at the outright victory.”
Tickets can be purchased at Ticketek via www.bathurst12hour.com.au.