Dumbrell aiming to lock down overseas driver
Lucas Dumbrell says his LD Motorsport V8 Supercars team is looking outside of Australia for a co-driver to partner Tim Blanchard at the Sandown, Bathurst and Gold Coast races this year.
Tim Blanchard, Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport Holden
Supercars
The Melbourne-based team will already have one international driver on the books for this year’s three long-distance races, with Oliver Gavin set to join Nick Percat for the second year running.
The pair finished third at last year’s Bathurst 1000, the jewel in the Australian racing crown, for Walkinshaw Racing, and will this year try for more enduro success in an LD Motorsport-run Commodore.
But while Percat’s co-driver is set, the search continues for someone to partner Tim Blanchard. And according to Dumbrell, the net is being cast far and wide.
“We’re looking overseas,” he confirmed to Motorsport.com.
“There’s not much in the way of local guys left, really. And there are some quality overseas guys – especially if you look at the guys who are coming over and doing the Bathurst 12 Hour now.”
“At the moment it’s an ongoing search. There are a couple of guys in the loop, but nothing is done yet.”
Eyes on GT stars
According to Dumbrell, the Bathurst 12 Hour has become the perfect talent scouting event for the V8 Supercars enduros.
The event gives international drivers a chance to come to Australia and familiarise themselves with the daunting circuit in the comfortable surroundings of a GT3 car, before having to try and tame a V8 Supercar across the top of Mount Panorama.
“We’re seeing guys come out for the 12 Hour that are true professional racecar drivers, and now they have Bathurst experience,” Dumbrell said.
“There are some exceptional drivers out there – and hopefully I can lock one down for Tim.”
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