Two-time Bathurst winner Tony Longhurst is the latest driver set for a cameo in the Toyota 86 Racing Series.
The 58-year-old will line up as part of a 34-car field at Sandown for the third round of the category’s inaugural season.
Steven Johnson and Leanne Tander fill the remainder of the Sandown guest slots, returning to the class after making their debuts at Winton’s opening round in May.
While Johnson and Tander are regulars in the Touring Car Masters and Formula Ford respectively, Longhurst has only made limited race outings since stepping back from V8 Utes at the end of 2013.
Recently steering a MARC Focus V8 in the Australian GT Trophy at Winton, Longhurst’s Toyota drive comes as he chases a start in next year’s Bathurst 12 Hours.
The Gold Coast-based veteran says he’s looking forward to his first taste of the Toyotas, which will include a mentoring role for the category’s large field of rookie and amateur drivers.
“I’m looking forward to getting to grips with the 86 and seeing what kind of headway I can make in such a huge field,” said Longhurst ahead of the weekend.
“It should be massive fun, and I hope I can pass on a few tips here and there along the way.”
After the opening two rounds of the season at Winton and Sydney Motorsport Park, Canberra teenager Cameron Hill (586 points) leads 21-year-old Queenslander William Brown (524 points), with Sydney-sider Tim Brook (516 points) in third.
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