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Barbour’s Bathurst Key: Don’t Breathe
WHEN the Trico Trans Am Series hits Mount Panorama Bathurst over the Easter long weekend alongside the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour, few drivers will have the experience category stalwart Elliot Barbour has enjoyed at the famed circuit.
While he has been a regular fixture at recent Trans Am visits to the rural New South Wales venue, he also brings a wealth of experience earned across numerous categories.
From a Holden Commodore Supercar in the Development Series to an Audi R8 and KTM in the Bathurst 12 Hour, to giant-killing performances in a Holden Torana XU-1 Historic Touring Car, Barbour has also raced a Mitsubishi Triton in the V8 SuperUte Series, as well as V8 Utes and production cars around the challenging 6.2km layout.
For the upcoming Trans Am round, the challenge has never been greater.
“I’m hearing it’s going to be 40 plus cars… so I think for fans, it’s going to be awesome,” said Barbour.
“We’ve got a great broadcast deal this year with SBS, but also the Fox and Kayo deal, so I think for Trans Am fans, it’s going to be great, and for us drivers, we’re going to have to be on it.
“Symmons Plains was tough, but Bathurst will be another level.
“I’ve been lucky enough to drive some really cool cars at Bathurst, GT cars, Supercars, all sorts of stuff, but the Trans Am is by far the most enjoyable.
“They slide a lot, so if you are going to be there, go stand up on top of The Mountain because it’s wild, and it’s probably as scary in the seat as it looks from outside the car, I can guarantee that.”
So, what is the key to lap times in a Trans Am car at Bathurst?
“Probably under The Tree and through The Grate because it’s about trying to lift the smallest amount you can,” said Barbour.
“The concrete walls are there, you are moving, and you’re on the slide, so that’s probably the bit where you don’t breathe.
“Then you get to McPhillamy, ok, one breath before you go down the hill, and then we don’t breathe again until you get onto Conrod.
“The whole place is amazing, but for me, it’s tighten the belts as you go up under The Tree and through The Grate, and once you get through there, you’re kind of like, I should be ok.”
The Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour is set for April 18-20, with further details available at bathurst6hour.com.au.