Golding cautiously optimistic after strong opening chapter with BRT

The 2026 Destination NSW Sydney Test Day could've hardly gone any different to the way it went in 2025 for both James Golding and Blanchard Racing Team.

12 months ago, both team and driver were placed on the back foot after separate incidents, BRT forced to rebuild the CoolDrive Mustang of Aaron Love after a break failure-induced accident, whilst Golding's incident was arguably scarier.

A catastrophic fuel system failure saw his PremiAir Racing Chevrolet burst into flames, including inside the cabin, though fortunately he was able to dive into pit lane for assistance.

That started a tough campaign for both parties, with BRT parting ways with Love after the opening round, whilst outside of a brilliant drive to a podium at Bathurst, there was little to celebrate for Golding.

Now, Golding and BRT are united, and the early indications from the end of the Destination NSW Sydney Test Day were highly encouraging.

The Warragul product finished fastest of all on Thursday night, besting Red Bull Ampol Racing star Broc Feeney in a see-sawing lap time battle at the end of the session.

Having dipped under lap record pace, Golding was quick to compare his last two pre-season testing outings after climbing out of his #7 CoolDrive Ford.

"It feels really good, obviously a fantastic start to the year," said Golding.

"Rewind 12 months, I had a car that caught fire, so to have a car that ran faultlessly yesterday and today is just awesome.

"It's got a lot of pace in it as well, I'm feeling comfortable in the car, so that's the main thing heading into the first round of the year."

Whilst Golding was best pleased with his final pre-season hit out, he was quick to point out that opening practice this afternoon at Sydney Motorsport Park represents a complete reset.

"It's really important to have confidence in the car, confidence in the team, and to start off on the right foot going into this season is awesome.

"I can really push the car and know that it's going to hold me on the track.

"It's still going to be about getting right tomorrow, and the next day, and every other day after that for the rest of the season.

"It's not going to be easy, but it's definitely started off the right way."

Having been with PremiAir Racing since his Supercars career revival mid-way through the 2022 season, the 30-year-old has cut a rejuvenated figure in the paddock, establishing a strong rapport with new engineer Tony Woodward, who joins BRT from Brad Jones Racing

"Definitely, there's a lot of hype in the team, everyone's stoked to have me onboard which is awesome.

"They're very welcoming, and I feel like I've already been here for 12 months, even though it's really only been a few days.

"Awesome start, awesome to have a great group of people around me, I'm really looking forward."

Opening practice at the DUNLOP Sydney 500 begins at 1:55pm local time.