Peter Vodanovich may not be fully done with the Toyota 86 series. The reigning champion has hinted at a possible co-driver role in the upcoming two-round endurance series as he continues his preparations for a move overseas.
Vodanovich clean swept the last round of the 86 series at Hampton Downs where Toyota awarded him his championship prize.
He then insisted his time in the development category had run its course, selling his race car to fund his future racing career.
A member of the Erebus Junior Academy, Vodanovich was disappointed to learn that the Covid-19 pandemic had thwarted his plans to race in Australia this season.
Nonetheless, the all-new 86 endurance series provides another training ground for Vodanovich, and he is aiming to land himself a co-driver role shortly.
“I have had a few drivers reach out which is great,” he said.
“We are happy to have sold our 86 race car to Ryan Wood and were hoping to do the enduro together, but under the rules, we can’t race together since we are both previous series drivers.
“[But] if my university timetable allows, I am hoping to enter the series with Mark Mallard from Creme Insurance. He’s supported me since the very start in 2K Cup, and we had a great time together at the last Toyota 86 round.
“It will be good to share the drive in a car together as we have done in the past such as in the SsangYong Racing series.”
The two round, four-race endurance series will take place at Hampton Downs and Pukekohe Park across the last portion of 2020. It will then lead on to the start of the Sprint Series which is due to hold its opening round on January 22-24.
Vodanovich says he is a fan of the new initiative taken by Toyota to encourage current 86 drivers to team up with a new competitor from outside of the series to run a two-driver team.
“I think the endurance series is a great idea and just hope the short notice gives people enough time to get the logistics sorted,” he added. “It’s a strange year with COVID-19 and everyone is doing their best.”
The young Kiwi was meant to be on his way to Bathurst this week in the Super3 development series with Erebus Motorsport.
Thus, Vodanovich is eager to take whatever driving opportunities are presented to him whilst travel is on hold.
“I do wish I could have been racing at Bathurst in the Super3 with Erebus next weekend, but COVID put that to rest for now.
“Paul Morris at Norwell has spent a lot of time preparing drivers for the mountain and I wish them all the best. For now, just looking forward to driving whatever I can!”
Main Image: Peter Vodanovich Motorsport