Jonny Reid says the tireless effort of co-driver Neil Foster has been a significant factor in the success of the International Motorsport No.22 Audi R8 this endurance season.
Reid and Foster lead the Golden Homes North Island Endurance Series three-hour championship heading into the final round this weekend.
The pair finished second in the opening race at Pukekohe before scoring two race wins on the bounce at Hampton Downs and Taupo.
Their most recent victory at Bruce McLaren Motorsport Park saw the Audi trump the field with impressive tyre management and a stout driver strategy.
Reid believes the win was set-up from the work of Foster, who did not fall a lap down over his one-hour first stint to the Heart of Racing Aston Martin, which was running a more aggressive multi-stop strategy.
“Neil was on old rubber in qualifying and did an outstanding job,” Reid said Velocity News.
“The team and I were very happy with his performance.
“It was not straightforward with strategy in the race.
“Once the Aston bolted, it was clear their strategy was to put a lap on us.
“But Neil was fantastic in that first stint.
“There has been a big lift in his game face, and he dug deep and didn’t get lapped.
“It was an outstanding achievement.”
By remaining on the lead lap, Foster had kept the No.22 within a chance of winning.
When the race was neutralised after the hour mark behind the safety car, the Aston’s lead diminished and the Audi was back on its tail, with one less stop to perform.
“My stint was pretty straightforward,” Reid said.
“I circled around and chipped away at the job of managing tyres. Fuel was ok because we saved a lot under the safety car.
“I passed Darren Kelly and then just looked after the tyres from there.
“We knew they would have to do one more stop.
“It was a great win, and it was all set-up from Neil.”
Unfortunately, Reid and Foster will not be racing at Pukekohe this weekend for the series finale.
Reid is putting his health before his racing, while Foster decided to sit out the round rather than put someone else in the car.
With their North Island Series now essentially over, Reid reflected on the past few months.
He says he is proud to be part of a team with a winning culture and ambition to continue finding ways to improve.
“We have got basically the same car as what we had at the New Zealand championship last year.
“Endurance racing is not about who has the most power. It is about having good tyre and fuel management.
“I am proud of the whole group this year.
“I enjoyed the competition this year and loved how Alex Riberas and Darren Kelly pushed me along all season.
“I’ll miss Puke, but I’ll be back stronger and fitter.”
Main Image: Matt Smith
