THERE has been a late blow to the outright Pro field for the 2024 Repco Bathurst 12 Hour, with HubAuto Racing forced to withdraw.
The Taiwanese team had previously tackled the Mountain with Ferrari machinery prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, but its return was due to come in a Porsche 911 GT3R 992 piloted by Kevin Estre, Klaus Bachler and Patrick Pilet.
However, shipping delays have left team principal and owner Morris Chen’s Bathurst dream in tatters.
“I cannot begin to describe the upset and disappointment that our team, our drivers, and Porsche currently feel,” said Chen.
“In the past month, we have suffered numerous and considerable delays in the shipping of our car and equipment from Asia.
“We have worked tirelessly with Supercars, SRO, the freight companies, the New South Wales Government, as well as other local and international GT teams to be present and ready to challenge for the Bathurst 12 Hour.
“Unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control have led us to withdraw from the event.
“We apologise for the disappointment this may cause our supporters. We were looking forward to returning to Bathurst and now hope to participate in 2025.
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all involved parties for their invaluable support and assistance.”
The news follows British team Garage 59 pulling out due to the knock-on effects of the Red Sea conflict.
The Repco Bathurst 12 Hour will take place this Friday to Sunday, February 16-18.
