Tim Blanchard will test for Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport at Winton Raceway in the coming weeks.
The 2007 Formula Ford champion has been given an opportunity by Dumbrell to sample his Gulf Western Oils-sponsored Commodore VE, with the possibility of the rookie Fujitsu V8 racer competing with regular driver Daniel Gaunt in the V8 Supercars endurance races at Phillip Island and Bathurst.
Last week, endurance race specialist Mark Noske tested with LDM at Winton, turning 30 laps. Despite the Blanchard test, Noske remains a chance to drive the #30 Commodore.
Dumbrell, the youngest-ever V8 Supercars team owner, says that he wants to evaluate Blanchard’s form in his Commodore before making a final co-driver decision.
“I haven’t made a decision on the co-driver yet, but it will be in the close future – probably after doing the ride or test day with Tim driving,” he told Speedcafe.com.au.
“I want to give Tim Blanchard a run. In the Fujitsu V8 Series, he is doing a great job, and like Garry Rogers, you’ve got to give these young guys a chance. If you give them a go, they could turn out to be superstars. It’s a tough game and you need laps and experience.”
Blanchard is looking forward to the test and is pleased to be considered for the endurance gig.
“He hasn’t sorted his endurance driver yet, and Lucas is keen to give me an opportunity to have a test and do a few laps,” Blanchard said.
“It’s my first season in V8s, and this is a good chance to get some more laps. Getting laps in these cars is pretty difficult, so I’m going to take it and make the most of it.”
