New-and-improved Golding refocused after hiatus
It will have been 957 days between main game starts when James Golding rolls out on Saturday.
Golding has been confirmed as Garry Jacobson’s replacement at PremiAir Racing.
He will compete as a PremiAir driver for the first time at this weekend's NTI Townsville 500.
Just a month ago, Golding was edging towards re-signing with Team 18 as a co-driver.
Now, he’s back in the big time for the first time since 2019.
In the three years since, he has sharpened his focus, and also reflected on what proved to be a baptism of fire in Supercars.
A full-time stint with Garry Rogers Motorsport came to an abrupt end when the team closed its Supercars operation.
Co-drive appearances with Team 18 followed in 2020 and 2021, highlighted by a top 10 with Mark Winterbottom.
However, Golding’s ambition remained a full-time drive, and he excelled in the interim.
Notably, Golding finished second in this year’s S5000 season.
“I'm stoked to be joining the PremiAir Racing team as the driver of the Subway car for my long-awaited return to Supercars,” he said.
“I'd like to thank everyone that has been involved in getting this deal over the line, especially Peter Xiberras for giving me the opportunity.
"I'm looking forward to working with everyone in the team, and I can't wait to get to Townsville.
“It feels great to be racing full-time once again, especially after what felt like such a long time away.
"In saying that, the break has given me time to reflect and re-focus."
Golding's former GRM teammate Garth Tander recently told Supercars.com that he was a better driver for the time away.
Tander and Golding were teammates in 2018, and raced together in the 2017 enduros.
"James thoroughly deserves an opportunity," Tander said.
"He’s been overlooked by teams in the last 18 months.
"One thing that impressed me about ‘Biebs’ when we were teammates was his speed.
"In our first six months as teammates, I had it over him. In the second half of the year, he was matching me.
"Having been out of the main game for a while, he will have more focus on what’s required, versus just going fast."
Golding will hit the track for dual practice sessions on Friday. Purchase your NTI Townsville 500 tickets now.
