Brendon Leitch has begun preparing for his Dunlop Super2 Series debut at the Bathurst 1000 with a successful test at Winton Motor Raceway.
Leitch tested the team’s Holden ZB Commodore on Wednesday, where he completed more than 80 laps of the technically challenging track in rural Victoria.
The New Zealander was joined by Brad Jones Racing driver Jordan Boys, who set a reference for Leitch. By the end of the day, Leitch was on par with Boys.
“I’m glad to finally get a full day of driving the Team Kiwi Racing car under my belt,” said Leitch.
“We went through a lot of items on Wednesday, with a particular focus on brake modulation, heel-and-toe, and standing starts. I’ve done a lot of studying in the lead-up to the test and countless laps on iRacing just playing with settings and getting a feel for things.
“I did my first standing start in about five years, which went well. I’m glad I haven’t forgotten how to get a car off the start line! I guess it’s a bit like riding a bike. All those years in the Toyota Racing Series have come in handy.
“I’m really happy with how everything went, and the team is too. It was good to have Jordan as a reference point. He’s obviously got a lot of experience in these cars and a few Super2 Series race wins under his belt, so to be matching him is a big confidence boost.”
Leitch has largely plied his trade in GT cars since graduating from open-wheelers. The chance to race a contemporary touring car is a first for the Invercargill-born driver.
Leitch was selected by Team Kiwi Racing owner David John for the Super2 Series start after an evaluation alongside 2018 Super2 Series winner Chris Pither and TA2 driver Brent Collins.
“I’ve grown up watching the Bathurst 1000, so to race a Supercar there is going to be a big bucket list item ticked. Okay, sure, we’re not in the big dance, but even to be the curtain raiser to the main event is going to be a massive accomplishment,” said Leitch.
“The feedback I’ve gotten since being announced to race for Team Kiwi Racing has been incredible, especially from everyone back home in New Zealand, but even from other drivers. I know there will be a lot of eyes on me being a bit of a wildcard.
“The biggest thing for me, though, is I just want to have fun and really enjoy myself. This is an amazing opportunity, and I’m very grateful to David John and the Team Kiwi Racing supporters for making this happen. There’s no pressure, but I want to perform. That’s why we go racing.”
It’s been a busy week for Leitch, who tested on Tuesday with Tigani Motorsport at Sydney Motorsport ahead of the upcoming GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS round there.
Leitch headed straight from his Super2 Series test at Winton Motor Raceway to Melbourne Airport to fly to Japan for this weekend’s Suzuka 1000km.
He will join Harmony Racing in a Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo alongside his GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS co-driver Jiajun Song and Liu Kaishun in the Bronze class.
Image: Supplied
