GMJ Motorsport switches to endurance mode

GMJ Motorsport Dunlop V8 Supercar drivers Geoff Emery, Matt Hansen and Jim Pollicina are ready to tackle the holy grail of Australian motorsport - Mount Panorama, Bathurst, and all three are looking forward to the challenge of a new race format.

Instead of the regular Dunlop Series schedule of two races, this weekend's sixth round of 2014 will feature a single, 250 kilometre race on Saturday, including a compulsory pit stop for fuel and tyres.

The format will undoubtedly test the stamina of the drivers, their ability to manage tyres and the ability of the team to think on their feet with race strategy.

One major strength for GMJ Motorsport is that all three drivers have experience in endurance races. All have competed in the Bathurst 12 Hour, while Pollicina has contested production car enduros and Hansen has participated in one of the most prestigious endurance events in international motorsport - the Nurburgring 24 Hour.

Meanwhile, Emery has actually raced in the Bathurst 1000, teaming up with Marcus Zukanovic in a wild-card Greg Murphy Racing Commodore in 2010.

While the rules allow teams to enter two drivers per car if they wish, Emery (R & J Batteries/NDD/Solair World Commodore), Hansen (Forpark Australia/Australian Custom Moulders Commodore) and Pollicina (MoComm Communications Falcon) have elected to drive solo.

Hansen saidthis will test his physical fitness, and he has been training in anticipation.

"It's going to be the biggest physical challenge of the year, and I think late in the race we'll see some driver fatigue creeping in," Hansen said.

"I've been doing plenty of cardio training, especially cycling and surfing, to make sure I'm ready for the task."

Hansen also believes the longer race will work to his advantage.

"When you look at our results this year, we haven't quite made the most of green tyres in qualifying, but our race pace has been very strong," Hansen said.

"While we obviously still want to qualify as well, it's not as critical as the shorter races because there are more laps to pass cars."

Emery saidanticipating and avoiding incidents will also be a major factor.

"At Bathurst, you always have to expect the unexpected and be prepared to react to surprises," Emery said.

"The people who finish at the pointy end of the field will be the people who have the skill and consistency, not necessarily just the outright speed."

Pollicina's pace has displayed a steady upward trajectory throughout 2014 and he is looking for more improvements at Bathurst.

"Bathurst is the biggest event of the year and it would mean a lot to achieve my best result of the season at Mount Panorama," Pollicina said.

Practice for the Dunlop Series commences on Thursday, followed by qualifying on Friday and the race on Saturday.