Jaxon Evans is race-fit and ready for this weekend’s fourth round of the Repco Supercars Championship after logging more seat time in Thailand for the second event of the Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia powered by AWS at Buriram’s Chang International Circuit.
Last weekend’s GT race marked Evans’ Asian racing debut at the invite of Phantom Global Racing and Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific, joining Sun JingZu.
A category test day before the event got underway ensured Evans had the opportunity to learn the Chang International Circuit layout as he reacquainted himself with the Porsche.
A strong field was assembled in Thailand as JingZu went 19th fastest in Saturday’s first qualifying run, while Evans was just 0.658s off pole in 11th, highlighting how close the racing was to be.
Progress was made in the opening race, as JingZu and Evans climbed to 16th in what was a fairly sedate encounter to start the weekend.
Further promise was demonstrated in Race 2 when Evans was running sixth prior to the pit stops until a slow service dropped the team back to finish once again in 16th.
Although not fulfilling the pace the team had, Evans was delighted to get extra seat time prior to Perth SuperSprint.
“It was an up-and-down weekend in Buriram,” said Evans.
“I had a lot of fun joining JZ in the #13 Phantom Global Racing Porsche 911 GT3R.
“We had some strong pace, but unfortunately didn’t amount to the results we thought were possible. We were running sixth in Race 2 before a mistake in the pit stop dropped us down the order.
“It was great to be back in a competitive and healthy GT field. A very different style of racing in comparison to Supercars, but valuable race miles ahead of Perth.
“A big thanks to Phantom Global Racing and Porsche Motorsport Asia Pacific for the opportunity.
“Now, my attention returns to Supercars and I’m really excited to jump back in the SCT Logistics Camaro this weekend. Perth always seems to put on a good show when it comes to racing so I can’t wait to get stuck in.
“I’m aiming to build on our Taupo form and improve our qualifying car to make our lives a little easier come race time.
“It’s a short circuit but has a nice flow. I turned my first laps there with Arise Racing GT a month or two ago, so I know where the track goes. We just need to maximise each session and continue to move forward.”
Evans has never raced at the Western Australia circuit but recently tested the Arise Racing GT Ferrari at the venue in March.
Practice for the fourth round of the Repco Supercars Championship will be held on Friday, followed by qualifying and racing on Saturday and Sunday.
Words & Images: Supplied
