BGTC: Morgan Aero 8 to compete in Bathurst 24

Famous British sports car maker Morgan is sending its Morgan Aero 8 GT Cup race car, fresh from a stunning first season in the British GT Championship, to thrill the crowds at the Bathurst 24-Hour race on 21-23 November.

The Morgan will be piloted by Australian expatriate Neil Cunningham, the works team's driver in the FIA GT Championship, along with 19-year-old Briton Adam Sharpe.

The pair was booked originally to drive a Maserati Trofeo at Mount Panorama, but was recalled by regular private team boss Richard Thorne when the last-minute, factory-supported Morgan entry was confirmed.

Two further drivers are expected to be confirmed shortly, Morgan Works Race Team Manager David Dowse announced.

One of the world's oldest and most revered sports car marques, for many people Morgan represents the true spirit of GT racing.

The name generates enormous interest wherever it goes. With young talent like Adam Sharpe behind the wheel and with its advanced aluminium-chassis and BMW V8 engine, Morgan firing the imaginations of new generations of race fans throughout Europe.

The private Bathurst entry is being supported by the official Morgan Works Race Team, which views the outing as an important step towards its ambitions at Le Mans next year.

David Dowse said: "We're really delighted that the many Morgan fans in Australia will get the chance to see the Aero 8 in action and everyone is excited to see what Neil and Adam's team can do in a 24-hour race.

"They've proved to be a winning combination in the British GT this season and it was a real treat to watch them steal a memorable win over Porsche, Lotus and Ferrari in the last round of the season at Brands Hatch.

"The car's on great form, and so are the drivers. I think we're in for a real show to remember in Australia."

With Neil Cunningham driving, the Richard Thorne Team finished the season in second place in the British GT Cup Championship, just 14 points behind a highly developed and well-funded Porsche 911 -- an impressive achievement for a new team and a car in its first season of racing. Team Aero drivers Rob Wells and Keith Ahlers finished equal third in another Aero 8.

Fans will be able to follow the Morgan team's progress on a special website at www.morganatbathurst.com

Tickets to the Bathurst 24-Hour are on sale from $32 for adults through Ticketmaster7, on ph. 1300 136 122 or www.ticketmaster7.com.au.

-procar.au-