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Pye: The biggest opportunity of my career

08 Feb 2017
Long-term deal crucial for former DJR Team Penske driver
3 mins by James Pavey
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Scott Pye says his switch to Mobil 1 HSV Racing on a long-term deal is the biggest opportunity of his Supercars career so far.

Pye has driven for Triple Eight, Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport and DJR Team Penske between the Dunlop Series and Virgin Australia Supercars Championship but admits the lure of driving for a team of Walkinshaw Racing’s history on a three-year deal was a no-brainer.

“It’s the best opportunity I’ve had since I came into the category,” Pye told Supercars.com.

“When I met with Adrian (Burgess, team manager) and Ryan (Walkinshaw, team owner) last year and we started talking about contracts, I was managing myself, and it was something that’s important to a driver, but these guys made it quite easy.

“The fact they were willing to go for a full term of three years showed me the commitment and the faith they had in me. That means a lot as a driver.”

Pye replaced the squad’s long-term driver Garth Tander and made a move to Melbourne in early January to be near the factory. He joins Walkinshaw stalwart James Courtney in the revamped team.

“I think the fresh face is good for this team,” he added. “I think the team needed a change, and I think James and I get on really well.

“I’ve worked in a team for the last two years that developed a car into something that wasn’t very good into something that was quite good. I learned a lot through that and there’s things I can bring to this team.

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“I think it’s important that when an engineer needs you to pop in and do something you’re available.”

While Pye scored DJR Team Penske’s first pole position and podium, he admits he left the team with unfinished business.

“There’s one disappointing thing out of last year that I take, and that I didn’t get the race win for Penske that I hoped,” he added. “But we got the best result for the team with second which was cool.”

Mobil 1 HSV Racing team manager Adrian Burgess worked with Pye during their shared time at Triple Eight and hopes a change of scenery can bring out the best in the South Australian.

“Scotty will bring a lot to us. He brings youth and that experience,” Burgess told Supercars.com

“He has some good experience in and out of the category. If you think to his year in the Dunlop Series in 2012, there were four standout drivers (Scott Pye, Scott McLaughlin, Chaz Mostert and Nick Percat). Three of those four have not had an easier run, but they’ve become a little bit more established.

“That year Scott more than held his head up high against those guys so we know he’s got the talent.

“Our job now is to get him in the right environment and have him happy and settled knowing he’s got a three-year contract. He’s got some stability and has time to knuckle down with his engineers and team knowing he’s not looking over his shoulder about where the next contract is coming from. We’re sure he’ll flourish and deliver the results we need.”

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