New Zealander Chris Pither has been given the seat in the Super Black Racing car for next year’s V8 Supercars season, replacing Andre Heimgartner.
Pither was given a trial run in the No 111 car for the last round at Phillip Island to see if he was good enough for a fulltime drive in the main game next year.
Despite finishing 24th out of 25 in two of the races and 19th in the other, he has been given the spot, although the sponsorship money he is able to bring with him may have had something to do with it.
READ MORE: Pither closes in on V8 dream
Pither won’t have to wait until next season to drive in the category again as he’ll also be behind the wheel of the Ford FGX for the last round of the season at the Sydney 500.
Super Black Racing team owner Tony Lentino said he was impressed with how Pither drove at Phillip Island.
“He did a great job at Phillip Island. He’s got a good knowledge of cars and set up and worked really well with the team,” Lentino said.
“We’re excited to have him on board for next year and see how he develops as the year goes on.
“He has a wealth of experience so we’re excited to see where it goes. We have high hopes.”
Pither, who drove in the development Dunlop Series this year, said he is delighted to be able to move up into V8 Supercars fulltime.
“Being asked to drive the car at Phillip Island and work with Super Black was such a great opportunity and one that I thoroughly enjoyed,” Pither said.
“I’m really excited to have the chance to work with them and hopefully we can get some good results.
“It’s great to step up from the Dunlop Series into the main game but the level of competition is completely different.
“I am looking forward to working hard and doing the best that I can for the team.”
With most of the seats secured for next year by the other teams, Heimgartner’s future in the series is in doubt.
