Brendon Leitch completed full TKR Super2 test
Leitch will make DUNLOP Super2 Series debut in Bathurst
Kiwi racer went from Sydney, to Winton, then Japan
Brendon Leitch has continued to find his feet in Supercar machinery following a successful test at Winton Motor Raceway.
The New Zealander completed his first full test day with Team Kiwi Racing ahead of the upcoming Repco Bathurst 1000, where Leitch will make his DUNLOP Super2 Series debut.
Leitch has been a GT gun-for-hire in recent years, and is currently fighting for this year’s GT World Challenge Australia title with Tigani Motorsport.
The Kiwi tested his Tigani Mercedes-AMG at Sydney Motorsport on Tuesday, before jetting off to Winton to step into the ex-Erebus Motorsport Holden on Wednesday.
Joined by Brad Jones Racing co-driver Jordan Boys, Leitch completed more than 80 laps of the Winton circuit. After Boys set a benchmark, Leitch ended the day on par.
Critically, after years of rolling starts in GT cars, Leitch returned to his roots with standing starts, having carved out a strong Toyota Racing Series career before moving overseas.
Sydney-based Leitch had little time to digest Wednesday's test, though, returning to Melbourne before flying to Japan to contest this weekend’s Suzuka 1000km in a Harmony Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo.
Leitch has racked up a remarkable amount of miles in recent weeks, having travelled from Laguna Seca to Winton, then to Okayama before returning to Sydney. After the Winton test, Leitch will race on consecutive weekends at Suzuka, Sydney, Monza, Barcelona and Bathurst.
"I’m glad to finally get a full day of driving the Team Kiwi Racing car under my belt,” Leitch said.
"We went through a lot of items on Wednesday, with a particular focus on brake modulation, heel-and-toe, and standing starts. I’ve done a lot of studying in the lead-up to the test and countless laps on iRacing just playing with settings and getting a feel for things.
"I did my first standing start in about five years, which went well. I’m glad I haven’t forgotten how to get a car off the start line! I guess it’s a bit like riding a bike. All those years in the Toyota Racing Series have come in handy.
"I’m really happy with how everything went and the team is too. It was good to have Jordan to have a reference point. He’s obviously got a lot of experience in these cars and a few Super2 Series race wins under his belt, so to be matching him is a big confidence boost."
Leitch is no stranger to Mount Panorama, though, having claimed a stunning debut pole in GTWCA in 2024.
Having been selected by Team Kiwi Racing owner David John following an evaluation with 2018 Super2 Series winner Chris Pither and TA2 driver Brent Collins, Leitch knows he’ll be under the microscope come Bathurst.
A strong debut could open the door for future starts in Supercars, with TKR keeping the door ajar to 2027 wildcards.
“I’ve grown up watching the Bathurst 1000, so to race a Supercar there is going to be a big bucket list item ticked. Okay, sure, we’re not in the big dance, but even to be the curtain raiser to the main event is going to be a massive accomplishment,” Leitch continued.
“The feedback I’ve gotten since being announced to race for Team Kiwi Racing has been incredible, especially from everyone back home in New Zealand, but even from other drivers. I know there will be a lot of eyes on me being a bit of a wildcard.
“The biggest thing for me though is I just want to have fun and really enjoy myself. This is an amazing opportunity, and I’m very grateful to David John and the Team Kiwi Racing supporters for making this happen.
"There’s no pressure, but I want to perform. That’s why we go racing.”
Leitch will make his Super2 debut at the Repco Bathurst 1000 on October 8-11.
