Motorsport: Storey bids for Bathurst debut fairytale

The Mercedes SLS AMG of Mark Griffith, David Reynolds and Dominic Storey. Photo / Joel Strickland Photography

Kiwi driver Dominic Storey has two obstacles to overcome but he is dreaming of glory at this weekend's Bathurst 12 Hour GT race.

Storey will make his Bathurst debut this year in the Autex Mercedes SLS AMG alongside Supercars star David Reynolds and amateur driver Mark Griffiths while some of his rivals have years of experience at the iconic track and have three pro drivers comprising their teams.

Storey, who impressed in last year's Australian GT Championship, is one of a number of New Zealanders competing in what has quickly become the premier GT race in the Southern Hemisphere.

"The Australian GT Championship is a great championship but the Bathurst 12 Hour race has become a massive event on the GT calendar worldwide," he said.

"You only need to look at the entry list for this weekend to see all the European teams coming down and a few American guys coming. It has become quite an iconic event in that regard."

While he has yet to complete a lap of the famous circuit, Storey thinks he won't be at any major disadvantage come race time.

"[My experience] is quite limited. I have done a fair bit with Mercedes-Benz but then going there in a race car this weekend will be the first time I have competed there.

"To be in a competitive car - it is the same car I contested in last year's championship - I feel comfortable in the car, so it is just learning the circuit. There is enough track time between now and qualifying to get the hang of it.

"It is a two-minute lap so it is a bit longer than normal. People say it is one of the hardest tracks to learn.

"From my side, I just need to concentrate on what I need to do.

"Shane van Gisbergen is going to be in the same car as me this weekend, albeit in a different team, so he will be a good reference for me. He has been fantastic around Bathurst and had a pole there before.

"My goal is definitely to be in the top 10 shootout."

With an amateur driver as a teammate, Storey will compete in the pro-am category and winning that class will be a clear goal.

"Mark is a great guy and has been involved in motorsport for a long time. He will be the amateur in the car," said Storey.

"To enter one of these cars, it is a couple hundred grand so you need the gentlemen drivers to help fund it.

"He was pretty competitive last year in the GT Championship, so I think he will be strong."

And Storey thinks his team is a chance of winning the overall crown if things go their way.

"Anything is possible over 12 hours."

Cars to watch

• 22 Mercedes AMG GT3: Shane van Gisbergen/Maro Engel/Craig Baird

• 7 BMW M6 GT3: Tony Longhurst/Mark Skaife/Russell Ingall/Timo Glock

• 74 Audi R8 LMS: Garth Tander/Christopher Mies/Christopher Haase

• 88 Ferrari 488 GT3: Craig Lowndes/Jamie Whincup/Toni Vilander

• 911 Porsche 911 GT3: R Earl Bamber/Kevin Estre/Laurens Vanthoor