New Zealand GT ace Brendon Leitch will spearhead Team Kiwi Racing’s return to competition at Bathurst.
Team Kiwi Racing’s owner David John confirmed plans to enter the Super2 round at Bathurst, with Leitch chosen following an evaluation day at Winton alongside experienced countrymen Chris Pither and Brent Collins.
Leitch will drive an ex-Erebus Motorsport Holden ZB Commodore sporting a livery reminiscent of the Team Kiwi Racing entries when it competed in Supercars from 2000-2009.
“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 was when 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.”
Team Kiwi Racing made its Supercars debut at the 2000 Bathurst 1000 after dominating the New Zealand Touring Car Championship with drivers Jason Richards and Angus Fogg.
Making the step up to a full-time Supercars campaign in 2001, Team Kiwi Racing gave drivers including Craig Baird, Fabian Coulthard, Paul Radisich and Shane van Gisbergen opportunities.
“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 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.”
John hopes this is the start of re-launching Team Kiwi Racing into Supercars and an ultimate entry into the class.
“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 and for Brendon. 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.”