V8 Supercars driver Tony D’Alberto will team with V8 SuperTourer front-runner Andy Booth in the New Zealand category’s three upcoming endurance races.
The deal, announced in New Zealand this morning, will also see D’Alberto’s regular engineer Adam DeBorre join Booth’s Woodstock Racing Holden team for the Taupo, Pukekohe and Ruapuna events.
Booth current sits fourth in points after the first four rounds of the inaugural V8 SuperTourer season, with D’Alberto 22nd in the V8 Supercars Championship.
The former Development Series winner says he’s looking forward to his first experience of the Kiwi cars.
“Everyone I’ve spoken to who’s driven a V8SuperTourer is rapt with the cars which go down a similar line to the V8 Supercar Car of the Future we’ll embrace next year,” said D’Alberto.
“When I heard they were doing endurance races, I put my hand up. Andy’s team is very professional and I’m really happy he’s picked me. I think we’re going make a very good team.
“There’s a lot that goes into preparing for endurance races – driver change practice, pit stop practice – hopefully I can bring some experience to the team around that,” he added.
“With Adam here as well, he’ll offer his expertise to Andy and the team. We’re taking it pretty seriously and we want to go there and win.”
D’Alberto says that the chance to gain experience of the Pukekohe layout prior to the V8 Supercars Championship’s return to the venue next year was another key motivator for linking with Booth’s team.
“The more laps I can get there before I head over there in my car next year,” he said.
“I’m sure Andy can teach me a few tricks about Pukekohe – he’ll have done a million miles around there.
“Essentially it’s good for me to learn some new circuits and a new car, and put myself in a different environment to what I’ve been in the last few years.”
The Taupo event will take place over the August 31-September 2 weekend and has been dubbed the Father’s Day 400.
The format will see the teams contest a pair of 200km races separated by a short service interval.
