Richards to debut new GT3 RS at Cootha Classic

Racing legend Jim Richards plans to debut his brand new $337,000 Porsche GT3 RS at this month’s Cootha Classic sponsored by Shannons at Brisbane’s iconic Mount Coot-tha this weekend, May 29-30.

The seven time Bathurst and eight time Targa Tasmania winner gave his latest tarmac weapon its shakedown run in the 2010 Targa Tasmania in preparation for its planned Mainland Australian debut in Brisbane and pronounced it “a missile”.

“We had initially planned to run the 911 GT2 we used last year, but the new GT3 RS came through Targa so well we think it could be an excellent vehicle for the Cootha Classic if we can get it prepared in time,” said Richards.

The uncompromising GT3 RS uses the new 3.8-litre naturally aspirated engine of its junior brother, the GT3. However the RS version produces 11kW more power at 331kW at 7,900rpm rpm, 35Nm more torque and is even faster and more agile. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in under 4.0 seconds and has a top speed of 312km/h.

Thanks to Shannons, a lucky enthusiast will experience what it’s like to travel first class like Jim Richards.

Everyone who gets a Shannons insurance quote during the Cootha Classic promotion in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall from 8.00am until 1.00pm on Friday May 21, or at the event itself over the May 29-30 weekend, will go into the draw to win a Hot Lap with Richards in either his GT2 or GT3 RS race car at Lakeside on Monday, August 9, including lunch with JimThis year’s Cootha Classic follows the success of the 2009 event staged by the Historic Racing Car Club of Queensland as part of Brisbane City Council’s 150 years celebrations.

The 2010 ‘Classic will see over 200 priceless historic cars and motorcycles both on display and competing in individually timed sprints up and down the winding 1.5km circuit, including seven corners plus chicanes, along Sir Samuel Griffith Drive.

The event is a re-creation of one of Queensland’s earliest recorded motorsport events that was held in the same location on Mount Coot-tha in 1916.

As well as Jim Richards’ Porsche, other significant entries include a 1928 Lea Francis Brooklands Special driven by Warren Webb and Wolf Grodd’s rare 1964 Studebaker Excalibur.

Admission is $20 per day for adults and $15 per day for concession cardholders. A weekend adult pass is available for $30. Tickets can be purchased upon entry.

For more event information please visit www.coothaclassic.com.au or contact Cootha Classic Coordinator Bill Westerman on 0419 400 240.

Images: CoothaClassic.com.au