Covers Come off Percat Commodore

After running a phantom livery at the sydney.com Test Day, covers have come off the #222 Commodore ahead of the season opener. 

Nick Percat’s Holden VF is branded in Coates Hire colours, a scheme he will run for the weekend’s Clipsal 500 and Formula One Rolex Australian Grand Prix.

“It looks awesome; the Coates Hire orange and the chrome touches certainly make it stand out,” Percat said. 

A new look will be unveiled again at the Tasmania 400, as rotating sponsor Heavy Haulage Australia takes over the Commodore. The #222 will then return to Coates Hire colours for the grand finale, the Sydney 500 in December.

Percat has already shown his credentials with the Holden Racing Team, partnering Garth Tander to a memorable victory at the 2011 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000; a debut win on the mountain.

And while he will contest this weekend’s Clipsal 500 as a main series V8 Supercar driver for the first time, the 25-year old isn’t a stranger to the demanding street circuit, having competing in Formula Fords, Aussie Race Cars, the V8 Dunlop Series and last year in the Porsche Carrera Cup.

“This is the culmination of many years of hard work and to be driving in the full Championship for Walkinshaw Racing is a dream come true,” Percat said.

“I am also thrilled to have Coates Hire continue their long association with me.

“There is no doubt this is the biggest challenge I’ve faced in my career and I can’t wait to get over to Adelaide and onto the track for the first time. To make my championship season debut on my home track is also something special. It’s a great track and a wonderful event with an amazing atmosphere.”

Funnily enough, the 25-year old described the livery as an evolution of the colour scheme from his 2011 Dunlop Series car.

Coates Hire and Percat joined forces at the Clipsal meeting that year, resulting in pole position and a round win in the development category.

The following year, again in the Dunlop Series he topped the timesheets in both practice sessions and qualified third behind season long rivals Chaz Mostert and Scott McLaughlin, now also in the main game. He then went on to finish third and second in the two races.

Last year Percat raced in the Porsche Carrera Cup and in his debut at the Clipsal meeting he qualified on pole, then finished third overall for the round against the likes of multiple champion Craig Baird and 2013 Bathurst champion, Steven Richards. 

The V8 Supercars will hit the track for the first time on Friday at the Clipsal 500. Tickets are available for the season opener now.