The Tasman Motorsports Group (TMG) duo of Daniel Gaunt and Andrew Waite say they are ready for the three round V8 SuperTourer endurance championship that kicks off at the end of the month at Hampton Downs.
The two young kiwi drivers continue an enduro partnership that they started in 2012, which lead them to a podium, a race victory and finishing the series fourth overall.
The two drivers have been sharing the 2013 driving duties of the Valvoline Ford since the beginning of the year when TMG Team Principal Steve Horne elected to allocate them two sprint rounds each.
Gaunt started the season for the team at Hampton Downs; following up with a round win at Ruapuna. Waite was due to take over at Round 3, until an accident in another race category left him with a broken wrist, allowing Gaunt to take the helm for one extra weekend.
“That injury certainly threw a spanner in the works as far as preparation goes,” says Waite.
“Though the year hasn’t quite gone according to plan, I’m really looking forward to the enduro’s. Prior to the wrist injury, I’ve had plenty of time in the car, and I got to do the recent Taupo round which gave me some extra confidence.”
“We did well last year getting a podium and a win and I know the team has more understanding of the car, and it’s considerably faster now than it was a year ago.”
“More than anything, I just want to get in the car and demonstrate the speed I know is there.”
Overall in 2013, Gaunt has achieved 8 top ten results in 12 races, including two wins and a second placing aboard the Valvoline Ford.
“All year the car has been a real pleasure to drive and I know the team has been working hard on the driveability of the car throughout.”
“There are a few things that are critical to getting good results in this series. Having a fast car is important and the team has consistently managed to give me a car that can qualify in the top three. It is also important to position yourself to be there when others make mistakes and to capitalise, and to keep out of trouble yourself too!”
“Andrew and I work well together, we’re confident of a good showing when the enduro championship kicks off in a couple of weeks.”
Team Principal Steve Horne said his two drivers have worked well together this season.
“At the start of our V8 SuperTourer campaign I chose Daniel to lead this team because he has a lot of experience in these types of cars and he knows how to win.”
“His experience has allowed us to quickly accelerate our development and have a good understanding of the car and with his help, we’ve converted that into solid results.”
“He and Andrew have worked well together, and it is evident that Andrew has improved and is very close to matching Daniel’s speed on track.”
“I am confident of some good results for the team when the endurance races get underway.”
The Tasman Motorsports Group Valvoline Ford is supported by IVECO Trucks, Autotrader.co.nz, Midas, BOC and Colin Waite Panel Beaters.
Round 5 of the 2013 BNT V8 SuperTourers Championship will be held at Hampton Downs, September 28-29.
