Blanchard announces surprise racing cameo

Tim Blanchard will get back behind the wheel at this weekend’s betr Darwin Triple Crown, in a rare racing cameo.

The Blanchard Racing Team boss will return to the seat of a Trans Am Ford Mustang as the tin top series resumes this weekend on the Supercars undercard.

Blanchard will steer the Maverick Performance-prepared Ford Mustang raced by BRT Supercars driver James Golding earlier this year.

Maverick Performance is run by Gerard McLeod, son of 1987 Bathurst winner Peter McLeod.

13-time Bathurst 1000 starter Blanchard also raced in Trans Am at last year’s Darwin event, claiming finishes of 18th, ninth and 20th.

Blanchard, former Australian Formula Ford Champion and DUNLOP Super2 Series race winner, tested the car at Winton recently.

He made his last Bathurst start in 2023 alongside Todd Hazelwood, who went on to win the 2024 Bathurst 1000 with Erebus Motorsport, before claiming back-to-back Trans Am titles across the last two seasons.

"It's been 12 months since I've raced in one of these cars and what better place to return than Hidden Valley. The atmosphere up there is great, and I always look forward to racing in front of the Territory crowd,” Blanchard said.

"I'm stoked to be joining forces with the Maverick crew as Gerard runs a great outfit and I'm confident we'll have a strong package to work with heading into the weekend."

Richie Stanaway and Zak Best have already been confirmed as BRT’s enduro drivers for 2026, pairing with Golding and Aaron Cameron respectively.