Former Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 winner Paul Morris is convinced his Dunlop Super2 Series driver Anton De Pasquale has all the qualities required to become a future star in Australia’s leading motorsport category.
The Paul Morris Motorsport driver is tipped to impress in his second season in the Supercars second tier armed with new machinery following the acquisition of a Prodrive-built Ford Falcon FG X.
De Pasquale, who won the 2013 Australian Formula Ford Championship, has already showcased his skills on the international stage having won Europe’s Formula Renault 1.6 NEC title in 2014.
Budget constraints forced him to return to Australia where he made his Dunlop Super2 Series debut last season, which resulted in an impressive maiden podium at Bathurst on his way to 11th in the standings in an older spec FG Falcon.
Following a successful first run in the FG X at Queensland Raceway last week, Morris is confident his young charge has a bright future in the sport.
This weekend saw the 21-year-old unveil his new livery, which features backing from ToolPro, Hungry Jack’s, Norwell Motorplex and CarBuzzzn.com.au, ahead of next week’s Clipsal 500 season opener in Adelaide.
“Every now and again you get a special kid come along and I think Anton is in that league,” said Morris, who will head up PMM for its 18th consecutive Supercar season.
“He did plenty to impress us last season, but he only had to do half a dozen laps in the new car and you could tell he has what it takes.
“If we can give him the gear and he keeps his head down and does what is required, then there is no reason why he cannot challenge for the championship and go on to do some big things.
“He could also certainly do his main game co-driver chances no harm.”
De Pasquale was encouraged by his test in the new car and was excited to see it in new colours.
His Falcon will also be eligible for some wildcard starts this season in the main game following the introduction of new regulations.
“I learnt a lot last season and the test in the new car was very encouraging,” De Pasquale told Speedcafe.com.
“We have the tools, literally, to get the job done and now we have to put in the hard work to ensure we are consistently competitive and challenging for wins.
“I don’t think a young driver could have a better person in their corner than ‘The Dude’ (Morris) when they are trying to find their way in these cars.”
De Pasquale’s #67 Falcon FG X, which was one of the first built by PRA and driven by David Reynolds, is owned by businessman Peter Mules who has had an association with Morris for several years through his business NT Shipping.
Mules was the owner of the car driven by Renee Gracie in the Dunlop Series last season and stepped up to purchase the former Prodrive FG X Falcon for the 2017 season.
“I think both Paul (Morris) and myself have a genuine agenda of trying to help young drivers in the sport,” said Mules.
“We have a long season ahead of us, but Anton has shown some very good early signs and proven he deserves his shot.”
The Dunlop Super2 cars will be on track for opening practice in Adelaide on Thursday at 0915 with three 19-lap races scheduled over the weekend.
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