JMR Chevrolet Corvette Makes Bathurst Debut as GT3 Contender
Mount Panorama, Australia – The JMR Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R faced its first challenge on the iconic Mount Panorama circuit during the Bathurst 12 Hour race weekend, marking a significant debut for the brand in the GT3 class.
JMR brought two Corvettes to this high-stakes event: the #2 car, driven by experienced duo Earl Bamber and Nicky Catsburg alongside Alex Sims, competes in the Pro class, while the #99 entry features Prince Jefri and Prince Abu Bakar Ibrahim with Jordan Love and Ben Green in the Pro-Am category. The #2 Corvette has benefitted from a fresh setup, with the team taking delivery of one of five newly unrated vehicles.
Mount Panorama is known for its extreme elevation changes and narrow circuits, posing a formidable challenge for GT3 machinery. Sims acknowledged the difficulty newcomers face in acclimatizing to the circuit’s intricacies, stating, “We’ve been able to share driving duties evenly. I feel quite ready for the race.”
The trio of drivers brings varying levels of experience, with Catsburg having three previous Bathurst starts and Bamber with two in Porsche machinery. This collective expertise proved invaluable as the team optimized the Corvette’s setup during practice sessions. “The car feels pretty nice from the word go,” remarked Sims, noting adjustment efforts to mitigate understeer.
Despite logistical challenges limiting the Pro-class #2’s practice time, the Pro-Am #99 car utilized two additional Bronze driver-only sessions, facilitating key setup refinements. According to Sims, the presence of both vehicles enabled a beneficial exchange of information: “There’s been lots of dialogue helping each car as much as we can.”
In qualifying, both Corvettes struggled for pace, securing the 25th and 26th positions on the grid. As they prepare for the race, JMR aims to execute a strategic, clean drive through the field. Ben Green emphasized the importance of discipline, stating, “We have to rest now and make a plan for the race. Optimize things the best we can, make no mistakes, and see where we come at the end.”
With the race approaching, the team’s resolve is clear: execution will be crucial for securing a podium finish in this demanding endurance event.
