Kassulke coming back to Bathurst with a young gun

Keith Kassulke will make a comeback to the Bathurst 12 Hour one year after a horror crash and will do so with young gun Cameron McLeod.

The pair will be joined by Hadrian Morrell and they will drive an Australian built MARC II V8 machine in the Invitational class.

They will be searching for redemption at Mount Panorama after their 2023 campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion.

Kassulke was charging down Conrod Straight during Practice 4 before suffering a horror brake failure at the fastest part of the track, The Chase.

It sent the MARC car flying over the kerb and head first hard into the barriers before finishing on the roof.

Kassulke was cleared of serious injury from the crash and has not raced all year since to ensure he is ready to give the 12 Hour everything on return.

After a brutal recent history with the event, Kassulke hopes the racing gods will be on his side in 2024.

Keith Kassulke’s MARC Mustang lying on its roof at The Chase after heavy contact with the tyre barrier. Image: Twitter @BradTheLoveFern

“We are returning in my rebuilt Mustang for another crack and I know we’ll have the speed gods on our side this year!” Kassulke said.

“We’ve had two miserable 12-hour events and since I’ve been out of the car for 12 Months,  I am very keen to get back to Bathurst in February.

“Myself, Hadrian and Cameron are the designated Pilots, and Ryan McLeod will team manage, with the usual group of suspects in the pit box taking car of the preparation.

“Amidst some tough competition in the Invitational class we are looking forward to getting to Bathurst in February.” 

There will be plenty of attention on the young guy by Kassulke’s side McLeod.

Cameron McLeod dominating Precision National Sports Sedans in a MARC on the Gold Coast. Image: John Morris

Since his first attempt at the 12 Hour was cut short, he took eight race wins and nine pole positions in Super3, plus was victorious on both Precision National Sports Sedans and V8 Touring Car Series debuts.

All these and more accolades saw McLeod presented with the prestigious Mike Kable Young Gun Award.

Completing the trio is Morrall, who is a veteran of eight Bathurst 12 Hour starts and got a class podium in 2016.

After last year’s pain the MARC team will be determined to get some redemption on February 16-18.

Image: Mark Horsburgh

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The team at AUTO ACTION wishes all readers and race fans a merry Christmas and happy new year!

 On the latest podcast, Bruce, PG and Andrew talk about their three motor racing highlights of 2023, and to balance it out… The three lowlights as well, not lowlifes Bruce!