FIORE PARTNERS HAZELWOOD
Experienced co-driver Dean Fiore will partner Brad Jones Racing’s Todd Hazelwood in this year’s sole endurance race, the Bathurst 1000.
Last year, Fiore joined Team18’s Scott Pye in finishing sixth at Bathurst, which equalled his best result at The Mountain.
However, Team18’s acquisition of ex-Tickford Racing endurance driver Michael Caruso bumped the West Australian out of the seat.
Fiore in turn replaces Super2 driver Jordan Boys, who started his maiden 1000 race last year, but crashed out on lap 50.
Hazelwood emphasised the importance of Fiore’s experience after being paired with rookies in his last three Bathurst 1000 campaigns.
“I’m really pumped to have Dean Fiore join me and the team at this year’s Bathurst 1000,” Hazelwood said.
“Dean has a huge amount of knowledge and experience in the Supercars Championship and I think we’ll make a really strong combination for the great race.
“This year is my best opportunity yet at the Mountain and I’m really excited to see what we can achieve together.”
Fiore’s experience amounts to 12 Bathurst 1000 starts, 90 Supercars rounds and 192 races since making his debut in the championship at Adelaide in 2019.
The 37-year-old is excited to team with Hazelwood and renew the relationship he has previously had with BJR.
“I’ve been watching the races and keeping up with Todd’s progress,” said Fiore.
“A lot of people in motorsport speak very highly of Todd. I like working with people that have a good reputation in the sport. I’m keen to build on our relationship throughout the year and can’t wait for Bathurst. Hopefully it’s a successful one for us.
“Brad was one of the first people I met at the beginning of my motorsport journey. He employed me as an instructor when he ran the Audi Driver Experience for Audi. I’ve maintained a great friendship with him ever since.
“I’m looking forward to getting over to the Workshop in Albury as soon as I can. I’ve got a strong connection with Albury with my wife growing up there and where we got married. My father-in-law still resides there on the farm and my family and I look forward to going there as much as we can.
“I’ll be in the workshop with Todd and the team as much as I physically can in the lead up to Bathurst. I’m excited!”
This confirms three of the four co-driver seats at BJR after it was previously confirmed Dale Wood is to join Nick Percat and Chris Pither will join Macauley Jones at The Mountain.
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