After running the Wildcard program for the past two seasons, automotive parts retailer Auto One has offered Perth young gun Adam Marjoram the chance to step up full-time in the 2013 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Seriesprotected by Armor All.
Auto One CEO Andrew Boath is pumped about giving a new generation driver the chance to run in the Series.
Were really looking forward to having Adam drive the Auto One Ute this season. Having a full time driver adds a new dynamic to our overall sponsorship, and brings with it a level of excitement you can only get through being able to compete, said Boath.
The Wildcard program has also seen the likes of Tony Longhurst join the Series full-time. Longhurst drove the wildcard ute at Bathurst, and will now step back in for his first full-time drive since retirement, driving Cam McConvilles ute from last season. Boath is excited to see the two become teammates.
For an ambitious young driver like Adam, having the opportunity to be teammates with a driver of Tony Longhursts calibre is fantastic. Both drivers will be keen to make their mark this year and there is no doubt their combined efforts will be pushing the Williams Race Tech prepared team towards the front of the field, explained Boath
The 19 year old from Perth had a steer of the Auto One Wildcard at Barbagallo Raceway last year and has had a full-time drive in his sights ever since and is grateful for the opportunity.
I drove in the Shannons Nationals last year in the Porsche GT3 Challenge, but this will be my first season on the main stage. Im really keen and I cant thank Auto One enough for the opportunity to be on the grid.
Marjoram has had nine years of Karting, and in recent years has driven a Saloon Car, claimed 1st in the Sports Cars class, 2nd outright in the 2011 Wanneroo 300 and 1st in the Marque Sports Cars class in the 2011 Night Masters.
My goal for the year is to learn the tracks and to go for Rookie of the Year title. I just want to do it right for Auto One and repay the favour that they have given me. I jumped in at Winton last Friday and learnt a lot. It was great to familiarise myself with the ute again. Since I last drove it at Perth, they have updated the brake package and I could really feel the difference.
Not only will Marjoram have support from Tony Longhurst in his Williams Race Tech Team (who ran the Auto One Ute for the past 2 years), but also the likes of Gary Baxter and Kim Jane, both racing for Williams Race Tech in 2013.
The Series has had some great talent come through the Auto One Wildcard programme over the past few years including; Greg Crick (Symmons Plains 2012) and Warren Luff (Clipsal 500 2012), Andrew Waite (Darwin 2012), Jason Bargwanna (Winton 2012) and Chris Atkinson (Sydney 2012) Other drivers include; Charlie OBrien (Clipsal 500 2011), Marcus Marshall (Barbagallo 2011), Tim Blanchard (Darwin 2011), Dean Canto (Townsville 2011), Marcus Zukanovic (Bathurst 2011), David Besnard (Gold Coast 2011), Tony Longhurst (Sandown 2011 and Bathurst 2012), Adam Macrow (Sydney 2011).
Marjoram knows he has a big role to fill but is looking forward to the challenge.
Im going to take it all in my stride and do the best I can for Auto One. I have big shoes to fill with the likes of Bargwanna (Jason) and George Miedecke, bu its all a learning process and I have a lot of support, said Marjoram.
Marjoram will start the season at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide Thursday, 28th February3rd March.
The V8 Utes Series is run by SPHERIX and consists of 32 car field made up of 16 Ford and 16 Holdens. The Series has been in action since 2001 and will be televised nationally through Network Seven.
Ronald McDonald HouseSouth East QLD is the Official Charity to Australian V8 Ute Racing. Ronald McDonald House is dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families and was established in 1985 and since then has provided vital help to over 75,000 families through a wide range of programs.
