KIWI TO MAKE S5000 DEBUT
Kiwi to make S5000 debut – Image: InSyde Media
Young New Zealander Kaleb Ngatoa has signed up to race in the final three rounds of the VHT S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship.
By DAN McCARTHY
Ngatoa is set to drive in the Team BRM S5000 machine which was raced by Tommy Smith at Symmons Plains Raceway in March.
Smith was set to contest the entirety of the S5000 Championship but has elected to travel to Europe to prepare for the upcoming Formula Regional European Championship.
Ngatoa is hopeful of making his S5000 debut at Phillip Island, however the current Auckland COVID hotspot could force that to be delayed.
Although not an Auckland resident, Ngatoa made a trip to the city which is now a COVID red-zone and may force a delay in travelling to Australia.
His debut at Phillip Island may be at risk, however he is certain to be clear and compete in the third round of the Gold Star Championship at Sandown Raceway.
“I’m really looking forward to coming over and racing against a group of such well-qualified drivers, in what looks like an awesome car,” Ngatoa said.
“My learning curve is going to be pretty sharp, regardless of which event we’re able to kick off at.
“Either way, it’s going to be an awesome experience.”
Ngatoa, Team BRM and S5000 officials are closely monitoring the border and quarantine situation.
The multiple-time NZ karting champion is from the town of Marton and finished second in the 2021 Toyota Racing Series; scoring three podium finishes in the nine-race season.
Notably Ngatoa scored a head turning pole position for the New Zealand Grand Prix at the Hampton Downs, edging out the likes of Shane van Gisbergen and Andre Heimgartner, Ngatoa would go on to finish in fourth.
The performance over the NZ GP weekend certainly grabbed the attention of Team BRM owner Mark Rundle.
“We’re excited to have Kaleb join the team for the remainder of the championship,” Rundle said.
“His efforts first time out in the recent TRS series were terrific so, even though he is relatively inexperienced, he should be sharp and on form.
“Phillip Island or Sandown, however it pans out, are both challenging circuits to start his S5000 career but, based on how he has performed in New Zealand, we’re confident he’ll get up to speed quickly.”
S5000 category manager and founder Chris Lambden is excited to see what Ngatoa can do.
“It’s terrific news that a young Kiwi is headed our way to join the S5000 series – but somewhat frustrating that NZ’s latest Covid-19 outbreak in Auckland could potentially cost him a debut at next week’s Phillip Island event,” Lambden exclaimed.
“Kaleb is very well thought of over there and has the support of long-time NZ motorsport mentor and supporter Peter (‘PJ’) Johnson, who along the way was part of the support mechanism for Scott Dixon and more recently, Brendon Hartley.
“S5000 is a logical step after TRS for New Zealand drivers, so I’m hoping he’s the first of several – especially when we announce our plans for later this year.”
The round at Phillip Island will be broadcast live and free on the screens of Seven across the March 12-14 weekend.
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