TIM BLANCHARD STEPS BACK FROM FULLTIME SUPERCARS DRIVE
By Bruce Williams
Date posted: 30 October 2018
Tim Blanchard will step back from his full-time Supercars drive – Photo: Supplied
Tim Blanchard has announced that he’ll step back from his full-time Supercars drive at the conclusion of the season.
After making his Supercars debut as a co-driver in 2010 with Paul Morris Motorsport alongside Greg Murphy, Blanchard stepped up to a full-time drive in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship in 2013 with Dick Johnson Racing.
Most recently Blanchard has been racing under his own Team CoolDrive entry which has been run by Brad Jones Racing over the past three years.
“It is obviously a very tough decision to step down from full time driving, but a decision I have made myself and one that I am comfortable with.” explained Blanchard.
“Supercars is more competitive than ever before with very little separating the entire field, nevertheless the results haven’t been to the standard I would like, therefore I had to start thinking about what changes needed to occur for this to change and what I wanted to achieve personally longer term. I have a keen interest in the management side of the sport and am keen to start exploring that.”
Blanchard purchased his own Racing Entitlements Contract (REC) at the end of 2016 with the long-term goal of running and operating his own team in the future.
“The purchase of the REC was always part of a longer-term plan that included post my full-time driving career. Tim Blanchard Racing (TBR) will continue its association with BJR in 2019 and I will be involved in ensuring that TBR is set up for a long and successful stint within Supercars.” Blanchard continued.
CoolDrive will continue their support of the No. 21 – Photo: Supplied
Blanchard’s family company, CoolDrive Auto Parts will continue their involvement in Supercars supporting the No. 21 car which has been a key element in the marketing and development of their brand across Australia and New Zealand.
“We are still working out who will drive the TBR entry in 2019, I had to decide on my own driving first and now that decision has been made we will work on assessing all realistic options in the coming weeks.” said Blanchard.
Blanchard will continue in the Supercars Championship as a co-driver in the endurance events, and if the opportunity presents itself to enjoy some seat time in another category; then Tim will look to explore those options.
“I still enjoy driving and will continue to do so in the Pirtek Endurance Cup alongside any other opportunities that arise.”
The announcement was made as teams prepare for the penultimate round of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship at New Zealand’s Pukekohe Raceway.
For more of the latest Supercars news, pick up the latest issue of Auto Action, on sale now. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.
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