Stanaway: 12 Hour cameo 'incredibly valuable'

A Bathurst 12 Hour cameo proved “incredibly valuable” for Triple Eight co-driver Richie Stanaway.

Stanaway raced a Pro-Am #99 Boost Mobile-backed Mercedes-AMG with Jamie Whincup and Prince Jefri Ibrahim.

The Kiwi brought the car home 10th overall, and third in class.

Stanaway, who will race in the 2023 Supercars enduros with Shane van Gisbergen, was thrilled by the experience.

He also got to spray champagne in the Bausele Pro-Am class celebrations — his first podium in motorsport since the 2017 Sandown 500.

“It’s been an incredible experience working with Triple Eight,” Stanaway said.

“Getting to know the team and working with such an incredible organisation. I’m so grateful to JMR, Boost Mobile and Triple Eight.

"It’s been incredibly valuable seat time for me here at Bathurst and a great way to start the year.

"I was feeling pretty fresh for my last couple of stints today. Luckily, it didn’t get too hot today, so physically I’m feeling pretty fine now.

"I haven’t had a podium since 2017, so I’d forgotten what it’s like to receive a trophy and a bottle of champagne.

"It’s an amazing way to finish my first race with the team and I hope there may be more to come.”

Whincup, who won the 12 Hour outright in 2017, was pleased with the result.

It came in the seven-time Supercars champion’s first 12 Hour start since 2020.

Triple Eight’s lead Pro car finished fifth overall, having been penalised over a pit stop infringement.

“We’ve got to be happy with third in class today, the team did an excellent job,” Whincup said.

"Personally, I pushed as hard as I could and I didn’t leave anything on the table.

"I think Prince Jefri and Richie would say the same about their performances, and the crew’s pit stops were solid all day, so all in all we did everything we could.

"The competition was very strong, we know that from those guys we race regularly here in Australia, plus the factory drivers who come from overseas.

"You don’t get a bigger race than the Bathurst 12 Hour – just ask all the European and Asian teams who make the pilgrimage here.

"They say this event is top three in the world. It was an honour to represent Johor Motor Racing and Boost Mobile this weekend.”

Stanaway will race with van Gisbergen at Sandown and Bathurst later this year.