Maiden Holden laps for Mostert
Chaz Mostert will get his first taste of a Holden Supercar today in a shakedown of his new Walkinshaw Andretti United Commodore.
The long-time Tickford Racing prodigy has openly voiced his excitement about the year ahead with what he has labelled a much-needed change of scenery.
In his own words, “I honestly haven’t been this excited going into a championship probably since I was first coming into the category in 2013.”
Headhunted by WAU to spearhead a new era, Mostert will put the #25 ZB Commodore through its paces at Phillip Island, a day after its new livery was released, ahead of the BP Ultimate SuperTest and Superloop Adelaide 500 next week.
“I’m just excited to drive something different,” Mostert told Supercars.com.
“Hopefully the things that they need to work on is different to what I’ve had to work on in the last couple of years, so that’s always exciting, not knowing that is going to be cool.”
The Walkinshaw organisation has a history of success in Supercars, winning eight drivers’ championships including five in a row from 1998-2002.
There’s no hiding from the fact the last decade has been underwhelming, though.
“History is a fantastic thing in our sport but you also have to look ahead,” said Mostert.
“This team is really passionate about trying to push forward and be a challenger in this series, so even though the history is cool, we really want to make our own history going forward as well.”
Paired with rookie teammate Bryce Fullwood, the proven combination of Mostert and race engineer Adam De Borre will be central to achieving that outcome.
For Mostert, that’s a distinct change from being part of a four-car Tickford fleet.
“I’m excited to be part of a two-car team and really try to solve a direction and keep pushing that direction a bit more than what you would maybe in a bigger team with different drivers and different styles,” he said.
Now with a Daytona 24 crown to his name, Mostert noted three key factors had sold him the WAU way of life; the team’s “family vibe”, their international connections with co-owners Michael Andretti and Zak Brown, and matching ambitions.
“When you have got two things going in a parallel direction, hopefully that can only name success in the long run.”
Penrite Racing will also be at Phillip Island today shaking down David Reynolds' new Penrite Racing Holden.
