Daikin Australia will join Grove Motorsport for its maiden assault on the outright class at the 2020 Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour (Jan 31 – Feb 2).

Australia’s leading air conditioning manufacturing company Daikin and Grove Motorsport are firm partners, the former having supported Brenton Grove in the Dunlop Super2 Series.

Daikin and Grove Motorsport have strengthened their ties, with the team announcing that Daikin will also sponsor their entry in this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour, the opening round of the Intercontinental GT Challenge powered by Pirelli.

It comes as Grove Motorsport steps up its Bathurst program entering a new Porsche 911 GT3 R in the Pro-Am class of the outright field for this edition of the Mount Panorama endurance race.

The team moves up into GT3 machinery having had outstanding success in Class B for Porsche Cup Cars, winning the race in class on four occasions, the most ever in the race’s history.

Team owner and Grove Group founder Stephen Grove will share the driving duties with son Brenton Grove and British sportscar ace Ben Barker, while the effort will be supported by Herberth Motorsport.

Speaking on the announcement of the team’s Bathurst partnership Stephen said he was thrilled to have Daikin come on board for one of the world’s biggest international endurance races.

“It’s great to have Daikin come on-board with us for this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour. They are one of our newer partners within the Grove Group so their support of our team for the event is greatly appreciated,” said Stephen.

“It’s nice that we have strengthened the relationship on and off the track with their business understanding the benefits of being comfortable and refreshed during the hotter months.

“Traditionally, the event is really warm so to have the support of such a well known and experienced brand will keep the team in good spirits for the weekend.”

The Grove Motorsport 911 GT3 R will continue to feature prominent backing from the Grove Group.