Blanchard wants Love to keep pushing limits
Dunlop Series
16 Oct
Aaron Love won Bathurst opener before crashing in qualifying
Love and Jake Kostecki finished both enduros in BRT wildcard
West Aussie driver could rise to the main game in 2024
Tim Blanchard wants Aaron Love to keep exploring the limits in his fledging Supercars career after a weekend of highs and lows in Bathurst.
The BRT rookie sailed to his first Dunlop Series victory in Mount Panorama, but didn't race the next day after crashing in qualifying.
The West Aussie driver was the closest driver to matching points leader Zak Best’s one lap pace, and trailed Best after the first runs in Saturday qualifying.
Love ultimately crashed at Reid Park and, with his Petronas Mustang too damaged, he missed the finale, which was won by Eggleston Motorsport rookie Kai Allen.
In the middle of it all was team co-owner Blanchard, who was on the headphones to Love, walking the young driver through his first Bathurst weekend in a Supercar.
“One thing you don't have to worry about with Aaron is commitment,” Blanchard told Supercars.com.
“He did a fantastic job on the Friday, and then Saturday, I probably made the mistake of telling him he was P2 after his first flying lap.
“A bit of encouragement for someone that committed, they try to find some more, and it bit him hard. It’s a lesson for him.”
Blanchard’s mentorship could prove critical for Love, who is in the frame to steer a BRT Ford in the main game next season.
BRT announced prior to Sandown that it will expand to two cars from 2024, with the team readying for its future with an enduro wildcard for Love and Jake Kostecki.
The early signs were positive for the team, with Love/Kostecki finishing both races and the team getting through the biggest races of the season with a two-car pit boom for the first time.
Given BRT is helping Love on his path to Supercars, Blanchard doesn’t want his young charge to go into his shell — rather, save for crashes, Blanchard wants Love to keep pushing and reach his potential.
“At this stage of his career, we don’t want to discourage his enthusiasm,” Blanchard continued.
“He’s trying to find his speed, and trying to work out how to drive these cars.
“You don’t want him to go back into his shell, you want him to keep pushing the limits, exploring those limits, and learn.
“I’d prefer him not to crash the car, but when you’ve got a young kid involved, and get him to where we want him to, we know there’s going to be a few crashes along the way.”
Love will conclude his Dunlop Series campaign at the VAILO Adelaide 500 on November 23-26.
