Hazelwood and Garland off to Spa
The likes of Kody Garland and Todd Hazelwood will be leading some Aussie teams to the 25 Hour race at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
The endurance event is on this weekend at the famous Belgian circuit from July 3-6 as the feature of the European Fun Cup season.
The one-make category is focused around the Volkswagen Beetle and with cars weighing 730kg and a 1.8L engine producing 170bhp, they are not far away from Aussie Racing Cars.
The 25 Hour race attracts drivers from all over the world with over 20 nationalities represented in the 101-car field.
Among them are a few Australians with Bathurst winner Hazelwood spearheading a TFH Racing entry alongside Josh Thomas, Diesel Thomas and Des Collier.
Hazelwood has achieved a lot in recent years and this will be a “bucket list opportunity” as he has never raced in Europe.
They will have some Aussies for company with Aussie Racing Cars steerer Garland leading a four-driver entry.
He will be joined by Brandon Madden, Scott Andriske and Joe Andriske as they take on Spa.
Garland is full of excitement to challenge himself at not only such a famous track, but also over such a long distance.
“The biggest thing is it’s an amazing opportunity to drive at the world famous Spa circuit, and the expected high level of competition that European racing brings. It’s quite a rare opportunity that I had to take with both hands,” said Garland.
“It’s an almost three-minute lap in those cars, I’ve done plenty of laps on the sim in preparation and I’m pretty confident I’ve learnt the track. I find it very similar to Phillip Island in a way, there’s a lot of fast flowing corners and high-speed areas.
“The whole overview of the category is very similar to the Aussie Cars, being a purpose-built chassis with one slightly bigger engine, and just a bit heavier overall.
“They’re also paddle shift as opposed to sequential, but that doesn’t make a difference behind the wheel.
“Fitness wise I’m not worried, it’ll be more about being mentally prepared. I’ve never done an endurance race, not even in karting, so getting out of that sprint mentality and then learning the strategies, pit stops and procedures will be key. It will be a real eye-opener and I’ll be learning as much as I can.”
Buy the new issue of Auto Action Premium HERE
Read the new issue of Auto Action Digital HERE
Don’t forget the print edition of Auto Action available via subscription here or you can purchase a copy of the latest issue from one of our outlets here. For more of the latest motorsport news, subscribe to AUTO ACTION magazine
