Dude, he's with Chaz
Ford Pepsi Max Crew rising star Chaz Mostert will partner with the experienced Paul Morris for this year’s V8 Supercars PIRTEK Enduro Cup events which includes the Wilson Security Sandown 500, Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 600.
Morris, who started racing at Bathurst before Mostert was born, is a multiple Super Touring Champion and has been a regular enduro co-driver since retiring from full-time driving in 2008.
While the combination may seem unusual, it provides Mostert with a wealth of knowledge to call on as he enters his first full season in Australia’s top category.
“Paul has driven every type of race car in every condition so he brings a level of experience which I am keen to draw upon during my first season with Ford’s factory team,” Mostert said.
“Having raced against him I know how competitive he is so I am happy he is sharing my car.”
Morris has raced against his new teammate during his frequent Dunlop Series appearances in recent year and the veteran likes their chances of success.
“I have a good relationship with Tim and Rod (Nash) so when they approached me about driving with Chaz it made a lot of sense for everyone,” Morris said.
“Chaz has proven his speed time and again and he was certainly quick at Bathurst last year so hopefully with a bit of advice and guidance from me we can be up the front in the Enduro Cup.”
FPR Team Principal Tim Edwards said Morris’ efforts last year with newcomer Scott Pye, where ‘The Dude’ helped guide the Bathurst rookie to sixth at Mount Panorama, went a long way to convincing him to create the combination.
“There is no doubt Chaz is exceptionally quick but experience and a large bank of knowledge is just as important in the long-distance events and Paul has both in spades so that will help Chaz as he continues to mature as a top-line driver,” Edwards said.
“Paul is one of the unique characters in the sport but his efforts with Scott Pye last season were impressive and with a very short list of competitive and experienced co-drivers at the moment he quickly became our primary target.
“People will think it is an odd pairing but Paul is genuinely motivated by the ability to race for our team and is taking his role very seriously. He knows Chaz’s star is rising and he is keen to help him out so he will be around the team all year providing advice where he thinks it’s relevant.
“They are definitely a dark horse for the Endurance Cup."
Morris will get his first drive of Mostert’s #6 Pepsi Max FPR Ford at the team’s second test day of the year in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Mostert is set to contest his first main series Clipsal 500 and has plenty of confidence heading into this week's event.
