Diesel drives to Tassie debut

Diesel Thomas and Jackson Shaw are representing Shaw Motorsport to contest the $10,000 Hyundai Excel prize, and the Garry Rogers Trophy, at Race Tasmania. Image: SUPPLIED

By Edwina Williams

Date posted: March 9, 2024

YOUNG Hyundai Excel driver Diesel Thomas will make his Tasmanian racing debut tomorrow at Race Tasmania in Baskerville.

Representing Shaw Motorsport, Thomas will drive alongside teammate Jackson Shaw.

Thomas said he was excited to compete over the two Race Tasmania events, with Symmons Plains to come next weekend, and to contest both the $10,000 Excel prize money and inaugural Garry Rogers Trophy.

He is driving with support from team owner, Tim Shaw.

“I’ve been working to get more young people into the Excels because we’ve lost a couple of drivers, some going to the main land,” he said.

“We’ve got young Diesel one of our cars and this is only his third-ever race meeting.

“He has previously done some work up with The Dude [Paul Morris] up at the Norwell ranch.”

Thomas is the son of Brett Thomas who runs Todd Hazel in Trans Am and is a sponsor of Erebus Motorsport.

Shaw Motorsport’s Jackson Shaw has won four of this series’ 10 races, and is second in the state championship.

Diesel Thomas and Jackson Shaw are representing Shaw Motorsport to contest the $10,000 Hyundai Excel prize, and the Garry Rogers Trophy, at Race Tasmania 2024. Image: SUPPLIED

Quite a few Excel drivers are under the age of 18 this year, and Tim Shaw said the controlled class is a “perfect stepping stone” for young people looking to progress.

“It allows people without a huge cheque book to get in,” he said.

“You can tune the cars to the drivers, get good feedback… and they are just a ball of fun

“Because they’re one make, the racing is very close and that teaches the kids race craft; managing weight and suspension

“I want to see a few more experienced drivers in there because I feel that helps the kids with their race craft.”

Shaw Motorsport supported Tabitha Ambrose when she made her debut in the Hyundai Excels last year.

The Race Tasmania action includes Tassie Tin Tops, TCR, Trans Am, and drift cars from 10am to 4pm.

Baskerville tickets are $15 or free for any Race Tasmania ticket holder. Visit racetasmania.com.au for more information.

There’s lots more loaded into a bumper edition of AUTO ACTION magazine, on sale at newsagents and available digitally here.

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