Darling Downs motorsport team ready to conquer Bathurst 6-hour

From dirt track rivals to teammates, a firefighter and a builder have joined forces with another mate to conquer an iconic enduro race. Read about their motorsport journey here.

Ben Gersekowski and Jim Manteufel are teaming up to compete in the Bathurst 6-hour race.

Trading dirt and rubber Ben Gersekowski and Jim Manteufel battled for racing supremacy as kids.

From the unsealed Millmerran racetrack to more ‘traditional’ venues their rivalry grew over the years but strong connections between their two families ensured things were always done in the right spirit off the track.

Manteufel, a builder, and Gersekowski, a full-time firefighter with extensive experience racing overseas are an odd duo but they are confident they can win the next weekend’s Bathurst 6-hour with teammate Gary Beggs.

“We wouldn’t be going if we didn’t think we had a chance at the podium,” Gersekowski said.

“Just being at Bathurst is a little win in itself but we certainly would like to get onto the podium – that’s what we are there for.

“I’m very excited and fortunate to join this crew with Jim and Gary.

“I think all the ingredients are there to have a great result.”

Toowoomba's Ben Gersekowski and teammate Frederik Schandorff combined for a win and a fourth place in their Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia races at Japan's Suzuka Circuit.

Competing in Asia and Europe Gersekowski brings a wealth of enduro racing experience to the table including a podium finish at Japan’s legendary Suzuka circuit in a Lamborghini Super Trofeo.

The prospect of racing at Bathurst again, this time in an almost stock Holden VF R8 Clubsport, is still exciting.

Manteufel is equally excited about the prospect of racing and hopes this trip to Mt Panorama will be a case of third time lucky.

“I’m super pumped, this is attempt number three now,” he said.

“The first time round we had engine trouble and the second time a young co-drive come a bit unstuck on the top of the mountain and put us out of the game about an hour in which was unfortunate.

“This year with Gary and Ben I think it’s the best chance ever with the best car we’ve had and two really great co-drivers.

“I’ve raced door to door with Ben many times and not once has he put a mark on my car and not once have I marked his car.

“When the owner of this car said we needed a third driver one name popped into mind and it was Ben Gersekowski.

“Everyone talks about Will Brown being one of the best drivers in Toowoomba, which he certainly is, but Ben is right there with him.”