Aussie invasion at Le Mans 2014

[champcarman]

Looks like 2014 could be a big year for Australian driver participation at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The big story of course is the Mark Webber Porsche LMP1 drive but it appears that a few Aussie V8 Supercar stars might be looking for drives which will guarantee massive publicity for Le Mans in Australia (where V8s are THE BIG DEAL in racing).

Jason Bright, of course contested the 2013 race with 8 Star motorsport and the BJR driver will be trying to put a deal together for 2014 to hopefully capitalise on that experience.

2010 V8 Champion James Courtney is another with Le Mans aspirations and with his European experience and contacts putting a deal together should be very possible.

The big story though (apart from the Webber Porsche story) however involves V8 veteran Craig Lowndes, easily the most popular driver in Australia, who has stated his intention to pursue a Le Mans drive.

Making it easier for Australian V8 Supercar drivers to compete at Le Mans in 2014 is the co-operation of V8 Supercars Australia who have not scheduled V8 events on the Le Mans test day weekend or the Le Mans race weekend.

Often forgotten in talk of Aussies at Le mans are the achievements of former Australian Formula Ford Champion John Martin who has established himself at the top level in LMP2 and is probably the best chance for Australian success.

Also count in Ryan Briscoe's likely participation with Level 5 and Le Mans 2014 looks very exciting from an Australian perpective.

[Maelochs]

Really exciting to hear about Craig Lowndes. I only recognize a handful of Aussie V8 drivers by name, and he is one---which means Aussie V8 fans Certainly know him.

With Aussie V8 being the equivalent of NASCAR down under that could be a huge boost in interest.

I wonder of the inclusion (and hopefully, success) of more Aussies will raise the stature of the Bathurst 12 Hours.

[Simmi]

Be great to see more V8 boys on the grid.

There's a half decent chance David Brabham could be back next year too. Aussie fever!

[Beetle]

Originally Posted by Simmi

Be great to see more V8 boys on the grid.

There's a half decent chance David Brabham could be back next year too. Aussie fever!

David Brabham needs to get back in an Aston Martin GTE. Epic!

[Trev Campbell]

I'm suprised that neither Toyota nor Porsche have signed him !!!!

[Aysedasi]

Are we feeling that he's still that good?

[Maelochs]

He is getting on in years but he is still pretty good, I think. But ... he isn't an Aussie, he is a citizen of the world. Says so himself.

[Trev Campbell]

Maybe not quite as fast as he used to be, but still a solid steady hand behind the wheel, Something you need a Le Mans. Theres not many active LM winners available !!!!