Supercharged Lotus Exige races Green at Bathurst

Sydney based Lotus specialist Simply Sports Cars are campaigning a supercharged Lotus Exige in Class C – GT4 in the 2013 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour, supported by Valvoline NextGen.

The formidable 3 driver line up consists of 2009 Aussie Racing Car Champion Adam Gowans, endurance specialist Chris Lillington-Price and former British Touring Car competitor and 18 time Macau Grand Prix entrant Richard Meins. The 3 drivers finished 3rd in class in 2011 in a different vehicle, and are hoping for a class victory in the Valvoline NextGen Lotus in 2013 after suffering an early mechanical retirement in 2012.

The Valvoline NextGen Lotus will be the only car in the field running on the more environmentally friendly Sucrogen E85 fuel adding to the green credentials of sponsor Valvoline NextGen.

Car owner, Mark O'Connor, is thrilled to be partnering with Valvoline NextGen for this year's gruelling event.

"Having one of the lightest cars in the field running on a fuel that is predominately made from a renewable resource means that our car would win the environment friendly race hands down.” he said. “In past years we have completed the 12 hour race using just five tyres whilst most teams will use twenty eight! 85% of the fuel we burn will be made from a renewable resource, Australian sugar. So when the opportunity came up to partner with the equally environment friendly Valvoline NextGen it made perfect sense so we jumped at it." he continued.

"Make no mistake though, being environmentally aware doesn't mean we will be limping around at the back of the field. The little 1.8 litre engine has been fitted with a Simply Sports Cars supercharger kit and will produce close to 500 horsepower in endurance trim. The Lotus only weighs 870kgs so we actually have a better power to weight ratio than most of the field. We are going to the Mountain with every intention of winning our class and punching above our weight."

The 12 Hour event will be streamed live on www.bathurst12hour.com.au

Tony McDermott, Marketing Manager, Valvoline Australia said “Valvoline has been protecting engines for over 140 years, and we are proud to be supporting Mark and his Team. Their dedication in delivering maximum performance standards whilst striving to find new ways of protecting the environment match Valvoline’s dedication to innovation, performance and sustainability.”

Valvoline launched their environmentally friendly product ‘Valvoline NextGen’ last year. Using 50% re-refined base stock and advanced additive chemistry, NextGen meets or exceeds industry standards, and delivers 100% Valvoline protection. It is available for a wide range of petrol and diesel passenger cars, 4WDS and light trucks as well as hydraulic for commercial and industrial use from Supercheap Auto, Repco, Auto One, and Selected Auto Parts Retailers.

For more information on Valvoline NextGen, visit:
www.valvolinenextgen.com.au