Blanchard Backs Up for Darwin V8 Ute Wildcard Drive
Tim “The Toolman” Blanchard will return to Round 4 of the Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series – protected by Armor All in the Auto One Wildcard at Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin, 15 – 17 June.
This will be Blanchard’s third time behind the wheel of a V8 Ute, after he drove the Auto One Wildcard at Darwin last year and debuted in 2010 at the Armor All Gold Coast 600.
The newly appointed Auto One Ambassador couldn’t be more thrilled to be back behind the wheel.
“I’m more excited to be back in the utes this time with my increased role for Auto One, but I’m just going to treat it like another race meeting and do as well as I can. I don’t’ think the off-track role changes my on –track approach and I’m really looking forward to driving,” said Blanchard.
The Melbourne based driver is currently racing full-time in the V8 Supercar Development Series, driving the Jaylec Automotive Electrical Ford, currently sitting 8th in the Series.
Blanchard has proven his driving ability over the years claiming the 2007 Australian Formula Ford Championship, 2nd in the British 2008 Formula Ford Championship and 3rd in the 2008 British Formula Ford Festival. He was named the 2010 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Rookie of the Year, and will this year steer the Jack Daniels Holden with Todd Kelly at Sandown and the Bathurst 1000. This is the young-guns third year behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar and he is excited by the opportunity.
“I’m looking forward to my third year in endurance racing. I’ve got a bit of experience under my belt now, through teaming up with Todd Kelly and the Jack Daniels team. Any experience like driving in the Utes, especially close racing, helps you prepare,” said Blanchard.
The 25 year old will have four races and a qualifying session to prove himself over the weekend. Last year he claimed 14th overall for the Round and at one stage was running second in Race 2, before spearing off.
“Now that I’ve had more experience in the Ute, I’m hoping to be right up the front and get a good result for Auto One,” said Blanchard.
Blanchard will hit the track for two practice sessions on Friday, 15th June followed by;Saturday, 16th June Qualifying 8:40amSaturday, 16th June Race 1 11:30amSaturday, 16th June Race 2 2:20pmSunday, 17th June Race 3 10:30amSunday, 17th June Race 4 1:25am
Race 2 will be televised Live As on Network Seven (Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne) and 7Mate (Adelaide, Perth and Darwin) at 2pm (AEST) Saturday, 16th June and Race 4 will be televised Live As also on Network Seven (Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne) and 7Mate (Adelaide, Perth, Darwin) at 2pm (AEST) Sunday, 17th June.
The 2012 Series consists 32 V8 Utes 16 Fords and 16 Holden’s who battle it out through 26 races over eight rounds raced throughout Australia covering six states and one territory and is televised nationally through-out Australia on Network Seven and 7 Mate and internationally through Motors TV Europe, TV3 New Zealand and SPEED online in the USA.
