Barton shows impressive pace at Armor All Bathurst 12 hour

After getting the call up to join the Jim Hunter Racing team in the Subaru Impreza STI for the Armor All Bathurst 12 hour held on Sunday 14^th February, Barton showed why the team put so much faith in his signing.

Starting the race at 6:30 am on Sunday Barton was given the reigns of the number 44 car in the difficult wet conditions. Starting 14^th he quickly moved up to the top 10 despite some difficult problems with the car.

“We had a sticking throttle which was concerning in those conditions. But we kept our cool and were able to sort through it and fix the problem on the run”

Subaru contracted rally driver Dean Herridge took over doing a very solid job moving up to 6^th position.

Barton’s second stint is where he truly shone. After the circuit had dried the predicted rain returned and despite having to fulfill a drive through penalty he cut through the field in a masterful display. At one point he was lapping over 5 seconds quicker per lap than anyone else. The stunning drive raised the Subaru to 3^rd on lap 86 to be within striking distance of the leaders. Another safety car saw the Number 44 car dive in the pits for a front brake pad change. Problems with the right front calliper meant the car dropped down a lap however with the speed shown the team were still confident of a good showing.

At the next pit stop Barton handed the car back to Dean who continued the charge. However on lap 130 the Hills/Bana/Leahey car was stranded in a dangerous position near Sulman Park. The number 44 car was following closely behind the race winning entry with John Bowe at the wheel. Bowe just managed to miss the stationary car however it did not give Dean time to avoid the car and a hard collision occurred resulting in both cars immediately retiring from the race.

It was a tough blow for the team especially given how well they were performing. Jim Hunter and the team have remained very positive however and are keen to return to the race in 2011 to complete what is now unfinished business. Jim Hunter has been in motorsport for many years and was very impressed with Barton’s performance.

“That was one of the best drives I have seen, and he was easily the class driver of the field” commented the seasoned campaigner.

The Jim Hunter team are looking at competing in selected races in the Australian Production Car Championship. If timing permits there is a strong chance Barton will be able to continue with the team to keep developing the potential of the impressive Subaru Impreza.