Setting the bar high – 911 GT2 RS around The Bend

So it was decided that the 911 GT2 RS was the perfect car to set the initial benchmark for a brand-new circuit, which at 7.7 kilometres is the second-longest permanent circuit in the world, behind only the famous ‘Green Hell’.

The Bend Motorsport Park is situated in the small town of Tailem Bend in South Australia, nestled against the River Murray and roughly one hour’s drive from the city of Adelaide. Over AUD$100million has been invested in the facility, with economic benefits already being seen throughout the Coorong region.

The 911 GT2 RS recently made its way to the brand-new, state-of-the-art facility to set the bar high right from the start, posting the first production car lap record for The Bend – one that will likely stand for some time given the formidable performance of the most powerful 911 of all time.

Experienced Australian racing driver Warren Luff was selected as the driver of the ‘Widow Maker’. Luff is also the performance car test driver for MOTOR Magazine, who collaborated with Porsche Cars Australia on the project.

At the end of proceedings, 3:24.079 was the best time recorded around the 35 corner layout. Luff, a former runner-up in the Porsche Wilson Security Carrera Cup Australia championship, saw the opportunity of setting the first production car lap record at The Bend as an honour.

“It’s certainly been a highlight in my career – something that I’ll remember for a very long time. It was a privilege to do it in such a special car.”