GT: Cindric set for Bathurst 12 Hours return with Erebus Mercedes

ABOVE: NASCAR Trucks was just one of Austin Cindric's
varied racing activities last year. (LAT photo)

After racing over 30 races in seven series and four countries last year, Austin Cindric begins the 2016 racing season by returning to the Bathurst 12 Hour where, in 2015, he became the youngest driver to ever race the 6.2km circuit. He will share driving duties with accomplished AMG factory drivers Bernd Schneider and Maro Engel in the #63 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3.

The 17-year-old American will have a wealth of experience to draw from at the Feb. 7 race as Schneider's career includes multiple GT endurance race wins, including the 2013 Bathurst 12 Hour, and five DTM Championships. Engel has also had success at the famed track as he qualified on pole in 2014 to become the inaugural Allan Simonsen trophy winner.

The #36 sister entry will be piloted by 2013 Bathurst 12 Hour winner Thomas Jaeger, ADAC GT Masters driver, Nico Bastian, and V8 Supercar driver and Carrera Cup Champion, David Reynolds.

Erebus Motorsport GT team principal Daniel Klimenko was pleased about his team's entry for what will be its final Bathurst 12 Hour with the storied SLS AMG GT3.

"We've got great hopes for this year – as usual we have two cars with lineups which have the potential to win," said Klimenko. "From the youth of Austin to the experience of Bernd, I think this is the best lineup we've ever had."

"I am really grateful to Erebus Motorsport for giving me another chance to run with such a great team at one of the best races in the world," said Cindric. "I feel that I learned a lot last year and hopefully that experience will help me go to the next level this year. I couldn't ask for a better learning environment and I appreciate Bernd and Maro agreeing to drive with a 17-year-old kid! I realize this is a tremendous opportunity and I can't wait to get started!"