V8 Supercars has confirmed the entries for three wildcards at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 from October 9-12.
As previously reported the the New Zealand-backed Super Black entry will run a fifth Falcon out of the Ford Performance Racing stable, utilising the factory team’s Dunlop Series crew.
The Dragon squad has been given approval to field two Holden Commodores, one of which will also run in the Wilson Security Sandown 500 from September 12-14.
Dragon, which will be given support by Garry Rogers Motorsport, is using the squad’s two former 2013-spec Car of the Future Commodores.
Both the Super Black and Dragon entries are yet to outline specifics of their campaigns, including driver line-ups.
Kiwi businessman Tony Lentino has backed the Super Black project and says the wildcard is the perfect preparation for a full-time campaign in 2015.
“I am a proud Kiwi and have a passion for motorsport so being able to create a team and bring the black and silver New Zealand colours back into the sport gives me great pride,” he said.
“Bathurst is the greatest motor race in our region and is as iconic in New Zealand as it is in Australia.
“It is the best place for us to make our debut and will be a great sounding board to a potential full-time entry in the series.”
FPR team principal Tim Edwards added: “The concept of helping to bring on the next generation is commendable and the team will add another interesting point of difference to a race that captures everyone’s attention on both sides of the ditch.”
Dragon has just two Dunlop Series outings to its name thus far, campaigning Tim Macrow at Winton and Townsville.
The team will expand to two Commodores at the next round of the second tier series at the Coates Hire Ipswich 300 from August 1-3, where Kristian Lindbom and Ben Schoots have been nominated as drivers.
The squad’s boss Tony Klein admits he had been working with GRM since May on a wildcard effort.
“We have been working with the team at Garry Rogers Motorsport on our wildcard entry since May this year,” he said.
“Our team is hoping that our campaign is a catalyst and stepping stone to further opportunities within the V8 Supercar competition.”