Experienced racer-turned Highlands Motorsport Park track operations manager and driver Damon Leitch
is the latest in a growing list of high calibre Kiwi racers set to take part in the forthcoming 66th New
Zealand Grand Prix at Hampton Downs over the weekend of January 23-24.
Hampton Downs has been instrumental in helping to put together the field for the Grand Prix, billed as the ‘Race of Champions’ with Leitch joining the recently announced Shane van Gisbergen, André Heimgartner Greg Murphy and Daniel Gaunt in their squad.
The confirmation that the 28 year old Invercargill driver will take part in the Grand Prix comes just three
days after brother Brendon was also confirmed in a Dayle ITM supported entry.
Damon will be flying the colours of Hampton and Highlands Motorsport Park when he steps aboard the Toyota FT60 for his first competitive laps at the New Zealand Grand Prix in six seasons.
“Damon’s talent is a single seater is second to none, he holds the unofficial lap record at Highlands, which is impressive, given most of his days now don’t involve any seat time,” said Hampton Downs
Chief Operating Officer Josie Spillane.
“We are looking forward to seeing him go up against current competitors and of course his brother.
Although the last time Brendon and Damon raced together, one of them ended up disqualified with
Tony Quinn, for a “love tap” so we won’t be looking for a repeat performance of that this time!”
Like Brendon, Damon has a huge amount of experience in the Castrol Toyota Racing Series, having raced
in it in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, finishing third overall in both the 2012 and 2014 championships.
He is a two time winner of the Bruce McLaren Trophy, has won in the category and has multiple podium
finishes to his credit.
He has plenty of experience in Formula Ford and karting and has also been a competitor at the Highlands 101 endurance event.
The Grand Prix won’t, of course, be the first time the Leitch brothers have competed in the same race,
but it is still a challenge which Damon is looking forward to.
“We’ve raced together before so we know the level of rivalry we have and it’s pretty friendly being
brothers,” he said
“It’s going to be a lot of fun racing in the event but I think most racing drivers would say that when the visors are down, it gets serious.
“I’ve got experience in the previous two types of TRS car and although this one is new, and I might tap
up Brendon for a little bit of info, it’s a modern racing car and I’m looking forward to getting my head
around it, getting up to speed and being competitive.”