Stanaway receives Prodrive Super2 Sydney start

Richie Stanaway will make his maiden solo Supercars start in the Dunlop Super2 Series at the Red Rooster Sydney Super Sprint later this month.

The New Zealander will pilot a Prodrive run Ford Falcon FGX, to be revealed next week, in the second tier Supercars series at Sydney Motorsport Park from August 18-20.

The opportunity will offer Stanaway valuable track time as he prepares for his second Pirtek Enduro Cup campaign, when he teams with Cameron Waters in the #6 Monster Energy Ford.

Stanaway has made intentions of breaking into the main game in the future clear in recent weeks, having opted to turn his back on a sportscars career in Europe.

The 25-year-old has forged an impressive career in intentional motorsport having won races in GP2 (now known as Formula 2), GP3 and the FIA World Endurance Championship with Aston Martin.

“It is going to be a great opportunity for me to get some racing mileage without the pressure of sharing the car with another driver in the main series,” said Stanaway.

“Racing in Sydney means I will come into this year’s enduro campaign a lot better prepared than I was last year, so I am grateful for the opportunity and quite keen to see how I stack up against all the other young guys.

“I’ve done a decent amount of testing miles now but you can never simulate a racing environment so it is going to be good to get more race miles under my belt.

“It also makes it a bit easier when you know it is only your own race result at stake and don’t need to take into consideration another driver’s race or championship.”

Prodrive boss Tim Edwards says the outing will allow Stanaway to hone his skills in a Supercar having impressed during his debut run last year alongside Chris Pither in the Super Black Racing entry.

Edwards was impressed by the Kiwi’s performances last season and believes the driver has the ability to step up to the main game.

“Getting Richie back was a no-brainer after his efforts last year in what was not only his debut with the team, but also his first ever Supercars races,” said Edwards.

“His vast experience and success overseas counts for a lot and we expected him to deliver, though to do what he did at Sandown in very difficult conditions, in his first ever race, that showed his potential.

“Entering him in the Super2 event in Sydney will give him vital additional track time, plenty more races and a chance to practice starts and further hone his race craft in a Supercar.

“It’s a free event for him given he’s not contesting the championship. There will be no pressure which is rare for a racing driver so we are all looking forward to what he can do.

“Super2 is the perfect platform to bring through the next generation of talent.

“We’ve had success with Chaz (Mostert), Cam (Waters) and Garry (Jacobson) previously and intend to continue to foster new talent through the category next year and beyond.”

Stanaway is set to jump behind the wheel the Falcon FGX during a test day at Winton tomorrow.

The squad is set to feature Falcons for Dunlop Super2 Series regulars Jacobson and Josh Kean in addition to Stanaway’s FGX.

VIDEO: Stanaway gearing up for Dunlop Super2 Series debut