LDM co-driver decision closer
Just two teams are still to announce co-drivers for the Pirtek Enduro Cup, with question marks next to Russell Ingall and Dale Wood's names.
Ingall has revealed to v8supercars.com.au three drivers are in the mix with Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport, and more news will come as the endurance events - starting with the Wilson Security Sandown 500 in September - draw closer.
"All I can say is we've narrowed it down to three and that'll be one local, two overseas - so that's what we're planning at the moment," Ingall said, ahead of his live chat on v8supercars.com.au this afternoon.
The veteran and fan favourite elected to continue his full-time V8 Supercars career in 2014 with Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport and backing from Repair Management Australia. The small team has already shown it can punch above its weight with Ingall qualifying in the top three twice in Perth, on a charge in Winton before a penalty and what he described as the "Winton fiasco" - and ready to tackle some of his preferred circuits coming up on the calendar, particularly the street races.
He explained that there were various reasons why the team was making the decision on a co-driver later than most others.
"A lot of co-drivers that would be at the top of your list got signed very early," Ingall said.
"We knew that was going to happen, and we also knew that, you know, LDM probably wasn't going to be on the top of everyone's shopping list out of the gate.
"That has definitely changed now - there's probably drivers who have signed up with other teams saying, maybe I should've waited - but that's life. We always knew that too.
"This was part of the plan, to not hurry into it and cop that some of the ones you'd want are gone, but prove the team, prove that we can be competitive. And the drivers that probably may not have shown interest, will show interest."
Of course, Ingall still believes there are drivers available who have the talent to help LDM make the podium across the big three events.
"We've got interest from drivers who will put in solid performances, and we can get someone who will hopefully get us on the podium...
"You know me - there's always a surprise when I'm behind the scenes!"
Team boss Lucas Dumbrell confirmed the shortlist was now very short, but the team had not struck a deal as yet.
Teams are now responsible for their co-drivers' preparation for the enduros, with test days the only opportunity to get them behind the wheel. Dumbrell said that has not made a difference in the process - anyone they are looking at will have the ability to jump behind the wheel and get the job done.
Ingall will answer fans' questions from 5pm AEST this evening, on a live chat at v8supercars.com.au - so head back to fire the tough questions at The Enforcer.
