The KTM X-BOW will once again be present at Australia’s most famous endurance race in 2023. Just like last year, the joint effort between M Motorsport and Vantage Racing will be entering the GT2 variant of the car at Mount Panorama for the Bathurst 12 Hour. Finishing what is considered one of the toughest endurance races on the planet is a top priority for the experience driver quartet.
With the Mount Panorama circuit featuring an unbelievable 174m of elevation difference and safety car periods sometimes caused by the local population of kangaroos, Bathurst is a special place that is revered among fans and drivers alike. Glen Wood is one of those drivers, and he will be taking on the Bathurst challenge for the fifth time in 2023: “Everyone in the team is looking forward to the Bathurst 12 Hour,” he says, “even though the race can be really gruelling, especially with the early start before daybreak. All of the classes are really closely matched and reaching the chequered flag is achievement enough for participants.”
Wood is part of the M Motorport and Vantage Racing squad and will be racing a KTM X-BOW GT2 together with David Crampton, Trent Harrison and Jayden Ojeda. The team’s mission is clear: “In 2022, we showed an inkling of our potential and now it’s time to really go for it,” Wood says. “Thanks to our team of engineers headed by Chris Fitzgerald and the close collaboration with KTM and Reiter Engineering, we feel better prepared than ever before.”
Preparation will be one of the key themes for the Bathurst weekend. The 12-hour race will serve as the perfect starting point for the 2023 season for M Motorsport and Vantage Racing as they look ahead to the GT World Challenge Australia sprint races. The teams will be competing in their KTM X-BOW GT2 at other historic circuits such as Phillip Island, Adelaide and Queensland Raceway.
Due to the early start (5:45 local time) and the ten-hour time difference, the race will start on Saturday evening European time. The green flag will fly at 19:45 (CET) and the race will finish at 7:45 Sunday morning. The entire race will be available to watch for free on the official live stream.