Tony Bates has confirmed his entry for this weekend’s second round of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS at Queensland Raceway, where he will again be joined by Supercars driver and long-time friend David Reynolds in the C-Tech Laser/Alternative Freight Services/OneLedger Accountants Audi R8.
Bates and Reynolds are currently third in the GT Pro-Am standings after a strong run to the podium in Round 1 at Phillip Island. Along with Cameron Waters, they also shared the #24 Audi in May’s Bathurst 12 Hour, where there were in contention for outright victory for much of the race before a tyre failure delayed their progress.
Bates is excited to return to Queensland Raceway for the first time in more than a decade.
“I have very fond memories of Queensland Raceway – last time I raced there was in the Super2 Series back in 2011, and it was one of my best weekends racing in the category,” Bates recalled.
“I ran inside the top 10 all weekend and I was battling wheel-to-wheel with the likes of Chaz Mostert and Nick Percat.
“I can’t wait to race there again and hopefully rediscover some of that form.”
Bates’ co-driver Reynolds was one of the fastest drivers in the GT season opener at Phillip Island, while his stints at the Bathurst 12 Hour were every bit as strong as the star international drivers competing in the event.
“David is obviously having a good season in Supercars, but his abilities in a GT car are underrated – I believe he’s one of the very best GT drivers in Australia,” Bates said.
“Dave also knows how to get me in the right headspace to optimise my performance – he and I have a lot of fun off the track, which helps me relax and brings out the best in my driving.”
Following the marathon 12 Hour endurance race at Bathurst, the GT World Challenge reverts to the more conventional, twin one-hour race format this weekend. Both races will be shown live on Stan Sports.
GT World Challenge Australia Queensland Event Schedule
Friday, 5 August
10:20am – Practice 1 (30 min)
5:15pm – Practice 2 (30 min)
Saturday, 6 August
9:10am – Qualifying 1 (20 min)
9:35am – Qualifying 2 (20 min)
1:00pm – Race 1 (60 min)
Sunday, 7 August
2:10pm – Race 2 (60 min)
