Super Black Racing set to continue in 2016
Super Black Racing has confirmed its intention to continue in V8 Supercars next season.
Photo by: Herb Powell
The team released a statement today announcing it will be on the grid next season, although is yet to confirm with which team it will be aligned with, which Racing Entitlements Contract it will use, or who will drive the car.
The New Zealand team aligned itself with Prodrive Racing Australia this year, with young Kiwi Andre Heimgartner driving a PRA-run Falcon in Super Black colours.
While it is highly likely that the technical alliance with PRA will be extended into the new season, it is yet to be confirmed. Heimgartner has also not been confirmed, with team boss Tony Lentino simply saying the team will continue in the championship next year.
“While I am looking to slow down and make the most of life with my wife Emily and our two young daughters, I have committed to the Super Black Racing family that they will be racing in 2016,” said Lentino.
“It is important to give young kiwi drivers an opportunity in the V8 Supercars Championship and a chance to mix it up with the big boys.
“The 2015 year has been a fantastic start for the team with Andre providing lots of thrills and plenty of reason to back black.”
There is also a question mark over which REC the team will enter under. It currently leases DJR Team Penske’s second licence, but should DJRTP decide to expand a new REC will need to be found.
Radisich out
What has been confirmed is that driver mentor and former V8 star Paul Radisich will not continue with the team next year.
Radisich has worked with Heimgartner throughout the year, and played a public role in the development of the young team. However, Lentino says he won’t be returning next season.
“His knowledge and expertise has been invaluable to get us this far,” said Lentino.
“While Paul won’t be carrying on with Super Black in an official capacity, he will always be one of the people that believed in, and delivered, a Kiwi V8 Supercars team.”
There will, however, be an addition to the management structure, with New Zealand businessman Clark Proctor taking on a management role.
“Clark has been an important contributor to New Zealand Motorsport over the years, both as an advocate of New Zealand drivers and teams and as a competitive driver,” said Lentino.
“He will be a great asset to the team in the coming year.”
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Toby Price explains 'unfortunate' Mitsubishi split
Supercars parity review begins
Why Courtney and Tickford are a dream match
Porsche lodges appeal over da Costa's Misano Formula E disqualification
Ricky Taylor looking for redemption at Long Beach
How Senna’s early Pacific GP exit raised his Benetton suspicions
What could have been: When Villeneuve’s shock return thwarted an F1 rookie
Motorsport.com writers' most memorable moments of 2022
Why Courtney and Tickford are a dream match
How taming his temper shaped Supercars' slow-burn star
Why replacing Supercars' GOAT with a teenager is worth the risk for T8
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments