Two of US motorsport king Michael Andretti’s brightest stars to race in Bathurst 1000

This year’s Bathurst 1000 will receive an injection of IndyCar talent with two top drivers heading Down Under.

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An Indy 500 winner and a Canadian open-wheel whiz will be announced on Friday as a shock Bathurst inclusion with Walkinshaw Andretti United set to unleash an all-North American team at Mount Panorama this year.

In the first offering of star power to the V8 team he co-owns, American racing king Michael Andretti will send two of his brightest stars half way across the globe for a shot at Bathurst 1000 glory.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Indianapolis 500 winner Alexander Rossi will team up with Canadian IndyCar star James Hinchcliffe in a Bathurst wildcard that was this week approved by Supercars.

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Co-Owners of the Walkinshaw Andretti United Racing Team Ryan Walkinshaw (left) and Michael Andretti at Mount Panorama for the Bathurst 1000. Picture: Tim Hunter.

The move will see US racing giants Roger Penske and Andretti go head-to-head on Australia’s most famous race-track in a move that is expected to attract a legion of American viewers.

Currently sitting second in the IndyCar series, 2016 rookie of the year Rossi will spear head the trans-Pacific attack to take on the likes of Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes in a Holden Commodore.

“It’s 100 per cent a bucket list item,’’ said Rossi.

“It’s in one of those six big races alongside the likes of the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Bathurst is right up there, so to be able to have this opportunity to do it with Walkinshaw Andretti United and still be close to home with the Andretti Autosport connection is very cool and I can’t wait to get started.’’

Raised in California, the open-wheeled specialist admitted that conquering Mount Panorama on October 13 would be a mean feat.

“It’s going to be a steep learning curve and I’m very aware of that,’’ Rossi said.

“I’ve got a few friends who are Supercars drivers, so I know how talented the competition is, and how challenging this specificracetrack is, but at the same time it’s a really exciting challenge and something that has been on my target list for a long time, we’re going to go out and do the best we can.’’

Alexander Rossi after winning the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 29, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Chris Graythen/Getty Images/AFP

Set to race wearing No.27 in the ZB Commodore alongside Rossi, Hinchcliffe will draw on his experience racing a V8 on the Gold Coast.

“The Gold Coast race some years ago was a huge blast and a bucket list thing to,’’ Hinchcliffe said.

“But for Supercars the Bathurst 1000 is their Indy 500, it is their 24 Hours of Le Mans, it’s

their hallmark event so to get to add that one to the resume is very special.

“For sure it’s a big ask, we are neophytes to the car, to the track, to everything involved, but I think we are both competitive and Alex is an immensely talented guy, a very driven guy, and together we can push ourselves and the team and hopefully not make ourselves look too silly.’’

Indy star James Hinchcliffe. Picture: AP

Andretti, who bought a part-ownership in Walkinshaw Racing in 2017, said his dream to race an IndyCar pairing at the Bathurst 1000 was set to come true.

“Running a wildcard entry for the Bathurst 1000 has been a goal for us since the formation of Walkinshaw Andretti United,’’ Andretti said.

“I’m really looking forward to bringing some of Andretti Autosport to The Mountain. We have great talents both within Andretti Autosport and within the IndyCar Series.

“Alexander and James are both great fits within our team and will be natural teammates. I

have no doubt that they will adapt quickly.’’