Carsales.com.au and Shannons join forces at Bathurst

carsales.com.au and Shannons Insurance have joined forces to tackle this year's Great Race - the 50th  anniversary of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. Australia's number one automotive website and the specialist insurer will co-sponsor a Kelly Racing Commodore V8Supercar in the event.

The Shannons carsales.com.au Racing Commodore will be piloted by the winner of the 7mate reality television series, Shannons Supercar Showdown. The identity of the rookie driver of the Shannons carsales.com.au Racing entry will be revealed on the show on Sunday, September 30. The race itself kicks off on the morning of October 7, 2012

carsales.com.au CEO and Managing Director, Greg Roebuck stated: “The chance to drive a V8Supercar at Bathurst is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a young racer. Like Shannons, carsales.com.au is a key part of the Australian automotive landscape and we’re very excited to be able to play our part in making this dream a reality.”

Shannons Insurance Marketing Manager, Mark Behr welcomed carsales.com.au's support to the Shannons Supercar Showdown project.

“It’s great to have carsales.com.au onboard. The opportunity to partner on the track at Bathurst and leverage carsales’ Australia-wide online and mobile audience is a great synergy for Shannons.

"We believe in the importance of investing in the future of Australia’s motor racing talent and the Shannons Supercar Showdown does that. We’re really looking forward to seeing the car on the grid at Bathurst – especially during the 50th anniversary race,” said Mr Behr.

Campaigned by Kelly Racing, the Shannons carsales.com.au Racing entry is also supported by Fuchs Oil, Kitten Car Careand Seiko.

Team Owner of Kelly Racing, Rick Kelly said: "Todd and myself have tried to provide a pathway via the Shannons Supercar Showdown project so that some of the best young driver talent is showcased and we deliver a winner who is worthy of the Bathurst entry. This year the series introduced two female drivers and we had contestants from New Zealand and the USA. We are excited that carsales.com.au has seen the opportunity that exists with this unique team."

This year is the second time the V8Superstars television program has given rookie race drivers the opportunity to race in Australia’s most prestigious touring car event.

In 2011, winner Cameron Waters' tilt at the Great Race was cut short when he crashed just a few laps into his first driving stint. Kelly Racing was able to get the car back on the track and Waters’ talent was recognised, post the race, as he spent the 2012 series in the V8SC development category.