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Jason Bargwanna will compete in the 2010/11 NZ V8 Championship, driving a Rock Racing Ford Falcon.
The former Bathurst 1000 winner will team up in Inky Tulloch’s two-car team, driving alongside series stalwart Eddie Bell.
The Kelly Racing V8 Supercars driver will only compete in a limited schedule of five rounds.
His entry will carry support from his sponsor Rock Energy Drinks as the local Australian brand looks to break into the competitive energy drinks market in New Zealand.
Bargwanna told Speedcafe.com.au that competing in New Zealand will be great way to stay race fit for the 2011 V8 Supercars Championship Series.
“I think it is a good opportunity for us to get over there and keep racing during the summer,” he told Speedcafe.com.au.
“I think it is a good chance for us to get out there and be competitive. More importantly, it’s great for Rock and our sponsors to build their brands in New Zealand.”
Bargwanna has never competed in the NZV8 Championship before, but says that he is a big fan of the close nature of the racing.
“I’ve been a big fan of the series for a long time,” he said.
“I like the control shock type set-up, the four-speed gearbox, less horsepower and reduced aerodynamics. I think it produces fantastic racing, the guys over there are very professional and I’m looking forward to what should be a very competitive season.
“Bairdo (Craig Baird) won it last season, Johnny McIntyre has won it in the past. There are some pretty sharp operators in the series and I think it will be quite exciting racing.”
‘Bargs’ won’t be in a position to challenge for the title as he is missing a number of rounds. This has made him even more determined to challenge for wins.
“We are going there to win races, not necessarily the championship,” he said.
“From a risk-taking point of view, we’re going to be high on that list because we want to win races and have a good run. We’re not really going to be in the title hunt because I can’t do all of the rounds.
“I think we’ll be one of the guys to beat, but it is just good to go over there mix it up and enjoying.”
Bargwanna will drive for Tulloch Motorsport in Inky Tulloch’s two-car Falcon team.
“Inky has been around a long time – he’s raced a lot of things over a long period,” he said.
“I’ve known him for some time. He’s raced everything from trucks to production cars to touring cars. His team is a stand-out in pit lane in terms of their equipment, their set-up and their professionalism. For me, it was an easy fit. It’s a two car operation and we’re more than capable of mixing it at the front of the field.”
