Team Kiwi Racing can confirm New Zealander Brendon Leitch will race in the Dunlop Super2 Series at Mount Panorama as part of the Repco Bathurst 1000 weekend on October 8-11.
Leitch will drive a Holden ZB Commodore carrying the Kiwi team’s iconic black and white livery with support from Team Kiwi Racing and well-known New Zealand businesses.
Leitch came highly recommended by well-known motorsport figures on both sides of the Tasman, and last week was allowed to be evaluated by the team at Winton Motor Raceway.
It was Leitch’s first time driving a Gen2-specification Supercar, and he left the team impressed by his ability to get up to speed in such a short time, despite his relative inexperience with the equipment.
Team Kiwi Racing owner David John expressed his excitement at the team’s Mount Panorama return, which is the very track that TKR made its international debut at as the first Kiwi team to ever compete in V8 Supercars in 2000.
“I am excited to announce that Brendon Leitch will proudly fly the flag for Team Kiwi Racing and New Zealand at Mount Panorama this year,” said David John.
“In its 26-year history, Team Kiwi Racing has always been about providing New Zealand drivers with opportunities in Australia to show what they’re made of.
“Team Kiwi Racing has always prided itself on picking drivers based on talent and with the right attitude, not whether they can bring money to the table. This is no different. For Brendon, all we’re asking from him is to represent the brand to the best of his ability, enjoy the experience and make us all proud on the biggest stage in Australian motorsport.”
Leitch brings a strong resume in international GT racing, though this will be his first time racing in a touring car championship. Leitch has raced at Mount Panorama before.
On his Bathurst debut in 2024, Leitch took pole position for GT World Challenge Australia in an Audi. He also has two starts in the Bathurst 12 Hour to his name.
Leitch expressed his excitement at the opportunity to race in the Super2 Series for Team Kiwi Racing at Mount Panorama.
“I’m really excited and proud to be joining Team Kiwi Racing,” said Leitch.
“I have to thank the people who put my name forward and obviously David John for having the faith in my ability and giving me this chance to realise a dream of mine to race a Supercar at Bathurst, Mount Panorama, all while representing Team Kiwi Racing in front of tens of thousands of people.
“The opportunity to race at Mount Panorama is not lost on me. These opportunities don’t come around often without strings attached.
“It’s hard to get these drives when most people think of you as being a GT guy, but I think the breadth of cars that I’ve driven shows that I’m versatile and more than capable.
“It will be cool to add my name to the list of those to have driven for Team Kiwi Racing. Guys like Shane van Gisbergen, Paul Radisich, Craig Baird, Fabian Coulthard, Chris Pither and of course Jason Richards.
“Growing up, I remember watching Radisich and Bairdo at Bathurst and Pukekohe. When Shane drove for the team in 2007, I was thinking about getting out of karts and into cars.
“I’ve always proudly worn the New Zealand flag, so to be driving at Bathurst for a team that is so synonymous with New Zealand motorsport and New Zealand drivers is going to be very cool.”
Leitch was given the nod to drive for Team Kiwi Racing after being evaluated against Super2 Series champion Chris Pither and veteran racer Brent Collins.
“The evaluation at Winton was really positive. It didn’t take too long to get comfortable with the car, and I know there is still plenty more to come within me,” said Leitch.
“The real test will come at Bathurst when we roll out for the first practice session and see where we stack up.
“I know I’ve not got as much experience in this particular car, but there’s no reason why we can’t go to Bathurst and get some good results. I think putting it on pole a couple of years ago proved I know my way around the place.”
Team Kiwi Racing owner David John said a return to Mount Panorama is part of a broader, long-term plan. John said he would like to return to the Repco Supercars Championship in 2027 with a Kiwi team via a wildcard, especially with two rounds of the championship now held in New Zealand.
“This is the first step for us. It would be great for the Kiwi fans and the sport in general to have a Kiwi team back in Supercars eventually, but we need to walk before we run,” said John.
“Entering in the Super2 Series made a lot of sense for us. It’s about dipping our toes in the water, getting reacquainted with the Supercars paddock again, and seeing where we match up.
“The fact that we’re still going after 26 years is a testament to our loyal supporters and the longevity of the TKR brand. More than 150 supporters are joining TKR at Bathurst on the official Team Kiwi Racing Bathurst Tour. We want to be known and remembered as the team that gives New Zealanders the chance they deserve.”
Team Kiwi Racing and Leitch will test at Winton Motor Raceway in the coming weeks before the Bathurst 1000.
Header Image: Harsh Chaudhary
