Bathurst prep behind Blanchard’s Super2 comeback

Tim Blanchard’s Super2 comeback in Townsville will double as crucial preparation for Bathurst.

Blanchard will replace Matt McLean in Eggleston Motorsport’s #54 Commodore this weekend.

McLean will return to the car for the remaining Super2 events in 2022.

Blanchard raced for the Eggleston squad in Townsville 12 months ago, and clinched an overall podium.

The Townsville starts come after Blanchard made a surprise Formula Ford return at Winton.

He will share the CoolDrive Mustang he operates with Tim Slade at the Repco Bathurst 1000.

With seat time opportunities limited, Blanchard will be in Townsville to compete and sharpen his tools.

Blanchard on the Super2 podium last year

Should he win at Reid Park, he will become the most successful Super2 driver in Townsville.

“Bathurst is the main aim for this weekend,” Blanchard told Supercars.com.

“Bathurst is only a few months away, so I’m keen to get my eye in.

“Test days and ride days are limited, so getting some mileage in a Supercar is important.

“I’ve got a good record in Townsville, just need to some races to get that record!

“After that, it’s about getting into the BRT Mustang and fine-tuning myself.”

Slade has retained a top 10 points positions despite tough rounds at Winton and Darwin.

Slade on track in Darwin

Slade’s last top 10 race finish came in Perth in May.

It was in Townsville last year where Slade showed the race potential of the CoolDrive Ford.

Slade scooped finishes of sixth, eighth and fourth at Reid Park despite lowly qualifying results.

That form has buoyed Blanchard, who is confident of a Slade turnaround in results.

"We didn’t qualify well last year, but our race pace was strong,” Blanchard said of Townsville.

“The car was fast in the races on both weekends and we got some good results.

“We were able to run different strategies to others and still get strong finishes."

Supercars and Super2 will hit the track on Friday. Purchase your NTI Townsville 500 tickets now.