Walkinshaw Racing Signs Slade
Talented driver,Tim Slade will reunite with leading Australian automotive retailer Supercheap Auto after signing with Walkinshaw Racing.
Slade’s signing coincides with Walkinshaw renewing its major partnership agreement with Supercheap Auto for the 2014 V8 Supercars Championship.
The 28-year old will take the reins of the Supercheap Auto Racing Commodore from V8 Supercars former Champion Russell Ingall, with the veteran ending his full-time V8 Supercars driving career in December after 18 storied seasons.
Slade began his V8 Supercars career in 2009 running under the Supercheap Auto Racing banner at Paul Morris Motorsports, ironically as teammate to Ingall.
“To be able to join a team as successful as Walkinshaw Racing and reunite with Supercheap Auto was the perfect scenario for me when I was considering the next step in my career,” Slade said.
“Walkinshaw Racing’s achievements are second to none, and its recent results show it is coming to terms with the Car Of The Future chassis.
“It has an impressive depth of technical talent and a strong, on-going development program, everything that is required to be successful on-track.
“Supercheap Auto completed the picture; it’s a successful, national brand, part of one of the country’s top 10 and fastest growing retailers, and a long-time supporter of V8 Supercars.
“It’s a great company and its team members have a passion for racing. I enjoyed representing the brand and team before and it will be great to work with so many familiar faces again.”
Slade’s new driving arrangements will see him end his association with team owner James Rosenberg after five seasons, while today’s announcement allows him to finish their working relationship on a high note.
“I cannot say enough about James and everything he has done for me. Not only has he been my ‘car owner’ from day one, he helped guide my career and has become a great friend,” Slade said.
“James and I discussed all the possibilities for my future throughout this process and he gave me his full support in my decision.
“By announcing my decision today, it also allows me to get on with the job and finish the year in the best possible way for James and Erebus Motorsport.”
Erebus Motorsport V8 announced Slade's departure on the Friday of the Wilson Security Sandown 500.
Earlier in the year, prior to James Courtney's re-signing with WR, v8supercars.com.au reported a strong link between Slade and the Supercheap Auto Racing seat.
Super Retail Group Managing Director of Automotive and Commercial David Ajala said Walkinshaw Racing had recently shown some significant signs of improvement, which – coupled with Slade’s recruitment – point to a competitive season in 2014.
“The talent of Tim Slade, Walkinshaw Racing’s technical capabilities and its commitment to success, combined with the support of Supercheap Auto, our trade partners, and our passion to succeed make this a winning combination,” Ajala said.
“Russell has been and will continue to be a great ambassador for our brand for the past six years, Tim has big shoes to fill, but we know he is up to the challenge.
“We are very happy to have him back as part of our Supercheap Auto team and we’re looking forward to working with Tim next year.
“Walkinshaw Racing is the most successful team in V8 history and its Bathurst record is unmatched, we are delighted to continue our partnership.
“Next year is our tenth year as the major partner of the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and our aim, like every other year, is to have our team on the podium in Australia’s great race.”
Walkinshaw Racing Managing Director Steve Hallam said today’s announcements set a clear direction for the future.
“V8 Supercars is a results-driven business, and success requires the right people and the support of commercials partners who are as passionate about our business as we are ourselves,” Hallam said.
“We are delighted to continue our relationship with Supercheap Auto. It is a nationally recognised brand, thriving business and market leader whose team members share our passion for racing.
“Tim is a very capable and talented young driver who joins us without any airs and graces. He is understands what is required to be successful, which is hard work, commitment and his playing his part in achieving our team’s goals.
“Supercheap Auto Racing is an exciting prospect for 2014.”
