Aaron Seton will create history when he takes the start in this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000.
Matt Stone Racing has confirmed Seton will join Jack Le Brocq for the annual Mountain classic, joining father Glenn and his grandad Barry ‘Bo’ in contesting the event.
A previous outright winner in 1965, Bo holds a long history with the event having also taken class wins and also transitioned to building race engines for the factory Nissan team and son Glenn’s operation, which near resulted in a dream result in 1995.
Glenn made his ‘Great Race’ debut in 1983, scoring multiple podiums as victory alluded him albeit he came close in 1995, but a mechanical problem during the closing stages forced him into retirement.
The latest generation of Seton will clock up the family’s 49th start in the Bathurst event.
Aaron is no stranger to endurance racing at the Mountain as he is a class winner in the LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour event in one of three starts is not the only good form he has at the venue, with a podium place in last year’s Super2 trip there, taking rookie honours.
He will be doing double duties as he aims to build on a solid Super2 campaign so far this season at Bathurst, which Le Brocq believes will give Seton an advantage.
“It’s great that Aaron’s actually running in the Dunlop Series as well over the Bathurst weekend,” Le Brocq said.
“I’ve done it many times before when I was a co-driver and it’s really crucial to just get those laps in around there.
“It’s a very daunting place at the best of times and it will be very full on.
“For Aaron to be able to compliment his running with his Dunlop Series program will allow us to get the most out of him come Sunday.”
For Seton, it is an exciting opportunity as the recently turned 24-year-old.
“It’s very special and surreal to be the third generation Seton to do the Bathurst event,” said Seton.
“Obviously, my pop won it back in 1965 and then dad came so close in ’95.
“It will be a special moment to go to the event for my first time as a driver and give it a red-hot crack as Jack and I try to aim for that top step.
“I am very thankful to the team, from Matt, Jason [Gomersall], and the whole crew.
“I’m just looking forward to getting to the 1000.
“It’s awesome to be joining a guy like Jack and I really admire the way he has gone about his racing this year since working closer with him.”
Matt Stone Racing will announce Todd Hazelwood’s co-driver in due course.