Prodrive Racing Australia will field cars for reigning series winner Garry Jacobson and new recruit Josh Kean in the Dunlop Series this season.
The Melbourne operation proved the team to beat last season guiding Jacobson to the Dunlop Series title ahead of then team-mate Jack Le Brocq.
Jacobson has secured a deal to remain at Prodrive, piloting a Falcon FG X, after failing to land a full-time Supercars drive.
The 24-year-old is hoping another year in the second tier Supercars series will help his quest to rise to the main game in the future.
“It’s really great to be back. I felt it was important to get one more year under my belt with this team and in this equipment before progressing into the main game,” said Jacobson.
“There’s still a lot to learn and the series is becoming even more competitive so spending another year with these guys will be really important before I take that next step in my career.”
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While one side of the garage is unchanged, Prodrive has recruited Kean to take up the second seat vacated by Le Brocq.
The South Australian joins the team having spent two seasons competing in a Brad Jones Racing run Holden VF Commodore.
Kean, who finished 12th in the series last year, feels Prodrive can offer him the machinery for a more serious attack on the series.
“I’m pumped. I’m really impressed with the whole operation with everything being done in-house and the professional way these guys run,” said Kean.
“I think that this is the next step. These guys are proven; they’ve done it all in the last few years.
“It’s the right opportunity, in the right car, with the right bunch of guys and it’s the way to go with my career so I’m really excited.”
Team boss Tim Edwards is pleased to welcome Jacobson back to the squad and expects the series winner to assist with Kean’s transition to the team.
Prodrive will reveal the liveries for its Falcon FG X Dunlop Series entries at a Winton test day on February 22.
“Josh is a competitive guy who enjoys being out on the track and that kind of attitude is a really important part of the culture here,” said Edwards.
“He’s been there or thereabouts in the last few years and like Garry did last year, I think he will be able to step up and give the guys at the front of the field a run for their money.
“It’s fantastic to have Garry back on board for 2017 as well. His skill will only improve this year and I expect to see him back up at the front this season.”
“The test day will obviously be important for him to acclimatise to the Ford and to our setups but having Garry there to bounce off will be beneficial as well.”
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