Percat talks first impression of Triple Eight, Feeney friendship
Nick Percat talks first impression of Triple Eight, Broc Feeney friendship
Percat joined Feeney, Triple Eight at Queensland Raceway shakedown
2011 Bathurst winner to partner Feeney in 2026 Supercars enduros
After years trying to beat Triple Eight, Nick Percat’s eyes were wide open after his first track day with the team.
The newly retired Percat joined Red Bull Ampol Racing and Broc Feeney at a new car shakedown at Queensland Raceway on Monday.
Clad in Red Bull Ampol Racing gear, Percat watched on as Feeney and co. pored over data and stretched a 60 kilometre shakedown over four hours with the new #88 Ford Mustang.
While he didn’t get behind the wheel on Monday, was finally armed with a chance to see how his new team works — and he wasn’t let down.
“It was obviously a lot different being on that side of the garage,” the 2011 Bathurst winner told Supercars.com.
“The first thing that stood out was the procedures and calmness in the pits. It was like nothing I've ever seen before.
“Just the level of detail they go to was impressive. To see the lengths they go to makes complete sense why they have had a lot of success.
“Nothing was too hard. They ran the day very smoothly, like you would expect. Despite coming in the new cars and new manufacturer, they treated it like any other test day.
“If you had no idea of what goes on in Supercars, you wouldn't have known that they just changed manufacturers. It was just seamless."
Former Supercars rivals turned friends Feeney and Percat have more in common than meets the eye, given they linked up in a MARC car with now Blanchard Racing Team driver Aaron Cameron at the 2020 Bathurst 12 Hour.
In the weeks after Percat’s deal was announced, with Jamie Whincup stepping aside, Percat and Feeney have been in each other’s pockets, talking everything from karts to Supercars, and everything in between.
“We've known each other for a long time. We did the 12 Hour many moons ago when he was a rookie,” Percat said of Feeney.
“We’ve always got on well. Recently, we've spent a fair bit of time with each other, over Christmas, New Year’s. To be honest, we speak most days just about anything.
“It's been really good and I've spent a couple days in the workshop with him. It has made it a pretty easy transition for me.”
Percat is set to drive the new #88 Red Bull Ampol Ford at the pre-season test on Wednesday February 18 ahead of Round 1 on February 20-22.
Tickets for the event, including DUNLOP Free Friday, are on sale now.
