DALE WOOD RETURNS TO BJR

Dale Wood joins Tim Blanchard for the enduros – Photo: Supplied

Brad Jones Racing has confirmed that Dale Wood will return to the stable to drive the No. 21 Team CoolDrive Commodore alongside Tim Blanchard for the 2018 Pirtek Endurance Cup.

Wood, the 2013 Dunlop Super2 Series Champion, spent the last 4 years behind the wheel as a full-time Supercars driver, including a stint and Brad Jones Racing, but has now since moved across to race in the Porsche Carrera Cup series this year.

After a strong showing in last years Pirtek Endurance Cup, which included a notable fourth place finish at the Bathurst 1000.

“I’m really excited to be joining Tim Blanchard and Team CoolDrive for the 2018 Supercars Endurance Cup. I caught up with Tim and the team over the Melbourne 400 weekend, and to be able to walk into the pits and chat with all the guys and girls I’ve worked with before was just like old times.” said Wood.

“It’s all very familiar and makes the job of getting behind the wheel of the Team CoolDrive Supercar pretty easy. They know what to expect from me and I know they’re more than capable of getting the job done at their end. It’s a great crew and I believe Tim and I will be quiet achievers, I’m looking forward to working with him.”

“Driving in the Porsche Carrera Cup this year gives me plenty of time behind the wheel. I’m really enjoying the season so far and whilst it’s a lot of fun, I’m still as competitive as ever.”

Blanchard is looking forward to the new partnership.

“Dale and I have raced side by side for a few years now, so I believe we’ll make a good combination as team-mates. He’s got plenty of experience behind the wheel of a Supercar, so he was clearly going to be a top pick for a co-driver seat this year. Racing in the Porsche Carrera Cup this year gives Dale quality seat time; the level of competition in the category is pretty high and it will keep him sharp.” said Blanchard.

The announcement of Wood in the No. 21 car finalizes the BJR co-driver line-up for 2018. Ash Walsh returns to co-pilot the Alliance Truck Parts/Freightliner Racing Commodore with Tim Slade and Macauley Jones will be partnering with Nick Percat in the #8 ZB Commodore for his second year.

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