Evans scores Ferrari 12 Hour drive

Supercars driver Jaxon Evans will drive a Ferrari alongside some locals and a factory star at the Meguiar’s Bathurst 12 Hour.

The second Arise Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 will be headlined by factory FIA World Endurance Championship driver Alessio Rovera.

Joining him will be the BJR Supercars driver, plus GT World Challenge Australia regulars Elliott Schutte and Brad Schumacher.

Only Schumacher will be representing the “Prancing Horse” for the first time, but has made five previous 12 Hour starts.

They are the Pro Am entry of the Arise Racing roster with the Pro class car to be steered by Chaz Mostert, Will Brown and Daniel Serra.

Whilst Evans took part in his rookie Supercars season last year, he made a name for himself in the GT scene around the world.

At the 12 Hour he has four starts with a best result of fourth achieved in a Porsche last year.

Both he and Schutte have a strong connection having shared a Ferrari 296 GT3 throughout the 2024 GT World Challenge Australia season where they finished third with one win at Phillip Island.

“Starting the season at the Bathurst 12 Hour is always incredible, and this year’s partnership with Arise Racing GT feels super exciting,” Evans said. 

“Having Ferrari factory ace Alessio Rovera and Brad Schumacher join Elliott and I gives us a strong shot at Pro-Am honours.

“Following a successful debut with the 296 GT3 at Mount Panorama in GTWC Australia last year, I’m confident we’ll be competitive when February rolls around.”

Schutte has not come from the usual route and is pinching himself.“Five years ago, if someone had told me I’d be on the grid at the 12-hour in a Ferrari GT3, I’d have thought they were properly crazy,” he said. 

“Coming from computer games and driver search competitions, it’s surreal to be given an opportunity to compete at this level, especially at such an iconic race. 

“The challenge ahead is immense, but sharing the car with the likes of Jaxon, Alessio, and Brad gives me a lot of confidence – we’ve got a great package and a brilliant team behind us.”

Rovera, driving for AF Corse, won the LMP2  Pro-Am drivers championship in the European LeMans series in 2024, while also finishing third in the LMGT3 drivers’ championship behind the wheel of a Ferrari 296 LMGT3 entry.

That campaign was completed by victory in the Bahrain finale.

“I’m very excited to be racing with Team Arise Racing GT!” Rovera said.

“This will be my first time in Australia and my first experience on the Mount Panorama circuit. 

“I can’t wait to take on such an iconic track in a 12-hour race with my new teammates and with such a great team.”

There are similar emotions for Schumacher, who has mainly raced Audis in recent years.

“It’s amazing to join Arise Racing GT in the Ferrari, especially in my home town for this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour,” he said. 

“Driving with the Ferrari brand is literally something most can only dream of, so for sure I am pinching myself with this opportunity.

“I am privileged to be co-driving alongside Alessio, Jaxon, and Elliott. 

“Together, we make a very strong team. I am committed to giving my best for the team and cannot wait to get started.”

READ THE LATEST ISSUE OF AUTO ACTION HERE

Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine.