Vortex's crazy adventure at the Bathurst 12 Hours

This is an epic that deserves all the praise: that of a group of passionate friends who follow their dreams to the end. Starting with designing their own racing car, then entering it in the most prestigious competitions ofEndurance of the planet.

Thus appeared in 2015 their first GT with a tubular chassis, the V 1.0 including the 8 liter Chevrolet V6.2 doing so much good these days in the face of the advent of turbo engines. At the wheel of their orange racing car built in Pézenas (Hérault), this team based around brothers Arnaud and Olivier Gomez took the start of more than 230 races.

In 2023, Vortex gave birth to the 2.0, an ultra-aerodynamic GT with a carbon shell, FIA approved but still faithful to the very reliable and inexpensive Chevrolet V8. Bodywork and crashbox are also made of carbon. The international design offices of Auxal and Mygale provided assistance. From its competitive debut at the end of 2023, this car won the title of runner-up in the Middle East Trophy in the 24H Series, notably taking pole positions and podiums.

Alas, due to the many current complications of maritime freight, the decision was made to return to Vortex 1.0 to respond to the invitation from Bathurst 12 Hours, mid-February, in Australia. 2.0 would never have arrived on time.

The Australian race was hectic facing the world references of GT3, but the group of friends – Lionel Amrouche, Philippe Bonnel and Julien Boillot – had a unique experience. With, as a highlight, a final 4th place in the Invitational ranking. For information, to be allowed to start, you had to qualify under 2'06" per lap on the very demanding Mount Panorama track. “ You can't imagine the joy of being in the esses of the descent with the Mercedes by Jules Gounon 3 cm behind you“, confessed Philippe Bonnel, stakeholder in the Vortex project.

Where will we now see the Vortex team and its 2.0 coupe? The 2024 season will combine the Ultimate Cup Series (Paul-Ricard on March 14-17) then immediately after the 24H Series with the 12 Hours of Mugello on March 22.

Read also : Vortex starts the season off to a flying start