Formula Ford champ uncovers debut Supercar
Bowser Bean Café, Coca-Cola and Caltex backing for rookie
Astuti makes his Super3 debut at Sandown
Chris Pither has helped Astuti's debut
Formula Ford champion Valentino Astuti will carry big brands on his Altima Supercar for his Dunlop Series debut at Sandown.
Astuti, the 2022 Formula Ford champion, will debut in Super3 with title-winning team MW Motorsport.
The young Victorian driver's #3 Nissan will carry branding from Bowser Bean Café, Coca-Cola and Caltex.
Astuti tested a Dick Johnson Racing Shell V-Power Mustang earlier this year as part of his prize for winning the Formula Ford title.
He recently tested his Nissan, which ran without branding before the new look was revealed on Thursday.
“It’s really exciting to take the covers off the Bowser Bean Café, Coca-Cola and Caltex MW Motorsport Nissan at Sandown,” Astuti said.
“The car looks great and I’m thankful to everyone for coming on board for my Supercars debut this weekend. It an exciting opportunity and I’m going to make the absolute most of it.
“Thanks to Matt White for all the work he’s put into putting this program together. It’s great to be on the grid with such an experienced and professional team and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can make of the weekend.”
White added: “It’s great to have the support of Bowser Bean Café, Coca-Cola and Caltex this weekend on our return to the Dunlop Series.
“We’ve been watching on the sidelines all season so we’re all excited to be back on track this weekend with a great, young talent like Valentino Astuti.
“We had a very positive test at Winton so we’re in good shape for the weekend. Valentino will be up to speed quickly and we’re looking forward to seeing how the weekend plays out.”
Pither said: “I'm fortunate that I have some great sponsors in Coca-Cola and Bowser Bean but unfortunately, I was unable to find a Porsche to race for the weekend.
"It's great that we have been able to get Coke and the team at Bowser Bean on track by supporting a young up and comer in Valentino.
"Caltex have always been a great supporter of young talent and it’s great that they have jumped on board with Valentino as well.”
Dunlop Series drivers will roll out for Practice 1 on Friday at the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 at 9:50am AEST.
