Golding earmarks next step

Having learned his new team in Townsville, James Golding is now targeting finding speed in himself.

Golding will make his second PremiAir Racing appearance at this weekend’s OTR SuperSprint.

Supercars returns to sprint racing, something Golding last tasted in the main game in 2019.

Drivers will contest three 24-lap races this weekend on the Dunlop Soft tyre.

PremiAir Racing moved into its new Gold Coast headquarters between events.

In that time, Golding stayed fresh by returning to his kart.

Given his rivals had a six-round head-start on him, Golding knows he is learning on the run.

However, he believes he has found enough comfort to lift his expectations.

'I learnt a lot about the car throughout the weekend'

"It is great to have a round under my belt now,” he said.

"I learnt a lot about the car throughout the weekend.

“Now I can continue to build speed in myself and the team with that knowledge and experience.

"This championship is the top level in Australia and one of the most competitive championships in the world.

"It is so competitive that you need everything to be optimised and consistent to achieve good results.

"To jump straight in with a new team and be competitive straight away when other teams and drivers have been racing together more frequently is no mean feat.

"I have the confidence in myself and the team that we will get there with hard work.”

Team owner Peter Xiberras said prior to Townsville that he wants Golding to learn the team at his own pace.

Chris Pither, meanwhile, has gone at an even greater pace to try and nail The Bend.

Pither has spent the last week at the South Australian circuit driving instructing with Porsche and Audi.

The Kiwi, who raced both Supercars events at The Bend in 2020, believes the team is well-placed to capitalise on recent momentum.

Notably, Pither qualified in the top half of the field in Darwin, and demonstrated impressive race pace in Townsville.

"I raced at the Supercars event at The Bend in 2020, and I do like the track; it is unique, fast and flowing," Pither said.

"I have had plenty of laps here recently too, coming straight down to The Bend from Townsville.

"I have spent time here with Porsche all of last week and now with Audi this week.

"Aside from a weekend at home, I will have been on the road for three weeks by the time the Supercars event kicks off, so it has certainly been busy.

"I am looking forward to seeing what we can do here at The Bend, we are certainly building momentum and I am hopeful we can continue that this weekend."

Cars will hit the track at the OTR SuperSprint on Saturday. Purchase your tickets now.