Kaleb Ngatoa is going back down under, returning for a second S5000 season with BRM Motorsport.
Ngatoa made an immediate impression on the category last year when he debuted at Phillip Island.
Missing both practice sessions due to only arriving in Australia the day before the race, Ngatoa’s first time in the flame-throwing, V8-driven beast was in qualifying.
He demonstrated tremendous promise for such limited experience, and the following weekend at Sandown had him earn a maiden win.
The wins didn’t stop there. Ngatoa took the chequered flag first once more in Sydney Motorsport Park before his brief season was over.
This year, the 20-year-old embarks on a whole season campaign. What was thrown at him last year has morphed into learning experiences, and Ngatoa anticipates a competitive 2022.
“I learned so much last year and I’ve been working hard to put together the deal to go back for the full championship,” he said.
“The cars are great, and I am eager to continue the learning process I began last year with BRM and hopefully translate that into a very competitive season.
“I can’t wait to get back out to Australia and go racing.”
He’ll have a pretty quick teammate to learn off of too.
Reigning champion Joey Mawson will share the BRM stable with Ngatoa.
It’s an ominous challenge to go up against an established race winner. But the BRM team have strong faith in Ngatoa’s talent.
“What Kaleb did last season with such limited experience of both the car and the circuits was really impressive,” BRM team manager Mark Rundle said.
“We are certainly confident Kaleb can be in contention for race wins and if he can do that he’ll be a championship challenger.”
Ngatoa opens his S5000 at Symmons Plains next weekend.
New Zealand television coverage details will be announced sometime before the event.