Phantom Global Racing, a new team formed in partnership with Timo Bernhard’s Team 75 Motorsport, is set to make its racing debut at the 2024 Bathurst 12 Hour.
The Chinese squad will enter a trio of talented young drivers into the famous Australian event, with 2020 Bathurst 12 Hour Pro-Am runner-up Jaxon Evans, 2023 Porsche Supercup champion Bastian Buus and Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) race winner Joel Eriksson aboard the #13 Porsche 911 GT3 R (Type 992).
Backed by Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, Phantom Global Racing will also count on Porsche Motorsport’s comprehensive technical support, along with Bernhard’s Team 75 Motorsport outfit. The German driver-turned-team manager took overall victory with Porsche at the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans, while his squad secured the marque’s first DTM win in 2022.
Phantom Global Racing will take on the event sporting a bold deep blue livery, with nods to its Chinese heritage in the form of a gold dragon totem on both sides of the car, along with a postmodern impression of a panda by Chinese artist Zhang Changjiang on the roof.
The Bathurst 12 Hour, which marks the start of the 2024 Intercontinental GT Challenge campaign, takes place on the stunning Mount Panorama Circuit. The 6.213-kilometre track is a tough test for any driver and car combination, with the narrow, winding first sector climbing the mountain, ahead of the tricky and twisty descent, where one mistake can cost plenty of lap time. The layout ends with a long straight leading into The Chase, a quick flick to the right where drivers must fully commit ahead of the final few corners.
Bastian Buus: "Bathurst 12 Hour has been on my bucket list for a long time. It's a truly unique race on a legendary track with some incredible scenery. I'm eager to start working with Phantom Global Racing, together with Jaxon and Joel."
Joel Eriksson: "I’m proud to be taking part in the iconic Bathurst 12 Hour on the amazing Mount Panorama Circuit. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to compete in this event and to finally get this great opportunity with Phantom Global Racing is an incredible feeling. It will be a new track and team for me, but I can’t wait to get started.”
Jaxon Evans: "I’m extremely excited to team up with Phantom Global Racing for the Bathurst 12 Hour, one of the most prestigious endurance races in the world. With the technical support of Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, I’m confident that we can challenge for the highest honours."
Martin Young, Team Director Phantom Global Racing: "I'm happy to announce that we’ll be taking part in one of the biggest GT3 races, the Bathurst 12 Hour, as our first official race as Phantom Global with the support of Team 75. As a new team, it’s amazing to have the opportunity to take part in the Pro class and I would like to express my appreciation to Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific and Porsche for their trust and support. It´s going to be a new track for the team, but with the young talent we have I’m hoping we can be a surprise package and achieve strong results."
Alexandre Gibot, Managing Director Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Ltd.: "I’m delighted that Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific is supporting Phantom Global Racing as they make their first venture into GT3 competition at the Bathurst 12 Hour. It’s always an amazing event, Mount Panorama Circuit is a superb venue and I’m confident the team will enjoy their time at the track. We’re proud that Phantom Global Racing will have Porsche Motorsport’s technical support, along with the experience and expertise of Timo Bernhard’s Team 75 Motorsport with them in Australia. Bathurst is a race which always signals the start of an exciting new season, so I’m looking forward to it!”