Student, 16, gears up for Bathurst 12 Hour

TEENAGER Bayley Hall will mark the biggest weekend of racing in his young career when he takes on some of motor racing’s best in the Bathurst 12 Hour.

The 16-year-old is a confirmed starter for the race at Mount Panorama, held from January 31 to February 2, where he will co-drive with Warren Luff, Geoff Tanton and Brad Schumacher in a

March II V8 Mustang team GJ Motorsport.

It’s a huge coup for the Year 11 Coomera Anglican College student who will be taking on the likes of Supercars heavyweights Shane van Gisbergen, Jamie Whincup, Craig Lowndes and more.

“I don’t even have words to explain what it feels like for for me,” Hall said. “I’m so excited. I’m overwhelmed and really confident in myself.

“It’s definitely the biggest event I have ever raced in before and to do a big step like this at the age of 16 is unbelievable.

“It’s going to be the biggest weekend of racing I have ever had and probably the most exciting so I have to make the most of it.”

Hall said he expected to hit speeds around 280km/h on the tarmac where he could lay the foundations for the rest of his racing career.

“It gives me heaps of experience on the track,” Hall said. “Everyone knows Bathurst is a track where ... you need to know it off by heart.

“I can do it backwards with my eyes closed but to have this opportunity now, at such a young age, when I get through to possible upgrades, having this experience right now will give me the chance to learn so much.

Hall will spend about 3½ hours in the car during the race and has been completing heat training to prepare his body for the event. This week alone he has already cycled about 100km and run 50km.

Fellow Gold Coast driver Broc Feeney, who won the 2019 Super3 Championship, will also be competing in the Bathurst 12 Hour.