A mammoth field of 41 combined Trans Am and TA2 Muscle Car Racing Series entries will take on Bathurst during Easter, with Dream Racing Australia welcoming back team boss Craig Scutella to its line-up.
Scutella (2023 ARG Trans Am Masters winner) will return to the track at Bathurst after a year-long break following injury bolstering Dream Racing Australia’s efforts alongside Jackson Rice, in the Pro-Am class.
20 cars will contest the Pro-Am Class, so competition will be intense.
Rice enjoyed a mixed opening round in Tasmania as the bar has been raised in Trans Am this season due to an influx of talented drivers entering the fray.
Although qualifying proved tough, Rice’s Ford Mustang was fast during the races enabling him to make significant progress in each encounter and gain valuable points.
A recent test at Winton also provided Rice and the team further learnings on the new tyre compound recently introduced.
Rice raced twice last year at Mount Panorama in the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour and the Dunlop Super2 round, so will use this experience to his advantage.
Ruff Nuts Heavy Duty Seatcovers will back Rice’s efforts at Bathurst as part of a rolling roster of major sponsors to feature on his Mustang throughout the season.
Bathurst always provides a challenge and with a grid of 41 V8 muscle cars taking it on will just add to the spectacle.
Round 2 of the Trico Trans Am Series will take place at Mount Panorama supporting the Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour during Easter on April 18-20.
QUOTES
Jackson Rice
#7 Ruff Nuts Heavy Duty Seatcovers/Dream Racing Australia Ford Mustang
“Bathurst is one of those tracks worldwide, which are quite special,” said Rice.
“We’re very lucky to be able to get laps around there at speed and I’m just excited to enjoy the weekend. Bathurst is one of those tracks, which rewards two things – balls and stupidity – and generally that’s how it plays out.
“Pretty much you’ve got to put your balls on the dashboard and have a dip.
“With the longer 45-minute races it’s all about getting a clean start and making sure to be sorted in two or three laps before settling into a rhythm to pick off the guys in front.
“Last time driving there I was in Super2 and it was very good to get another perspective of how to drive around there. I raced the Bathurst 6 Hour last year finishing second in class and this was very helpful in terms of getting time to drive there.
“Testing went really well and we’re learning a lot about this new ST2 tyre compound. There’s a few little different intricacies in the set-up that we’re chasing, but we learnt a lot and it was a very successful day.
“In Tasmania, I was caught out by a red flag in qualifying and I should have been on it earlier, which is going to be super important for Bathurst due to there being 41 cars the chances of a repeat is high.
“We progressed forward at Symmons Plains to finish in the top 10, but I got caught up in other people’s silly incidents. When you’re racing at the front you can race smart and clean, but in the mid-pack or towards the back there’s always a bit of biff, which I’m hoping to avoid this weekend.
“We’ve got really good car speed, so I’m happy with our race trim. It looks after the tyre, we’re consisten
Craig Scutella
#777 Dream Racing Australia Chevrolet Camaro
“It’s been 16 months since my last stint so to come back to Bathurst is like returning home,” said Scutella.
“While it’s been a long time in between drinks – I feel confident to get my head into the game, coming off recent Winton testing and with the best crew in the paddock providing me with a tip top race car..
“I don’t have any preconceived ideas of putting it on the podium (ha-ha), It’s a 41-car field, so anything can happen.
“This is the fourth time I’ve been to Bathurst, so the expectation is to do some PB’s, make my last lap on Sunday my best and ensure that Jackson Rice gets a great result.
“I’m certainly not out there just to make up the numbers, but my main role is to look after Jackson and our other drivers and if I get a chance to drive a spare car, I’ll take that opportunity, which is what I’m doing this weekend.
“Cam Fisher and Glenn Seton were with us at Winton for a day of testing and have set the car up nicely for a guy of my vintage. The car will be significantly different to what it is for Jackson Rice, but we’re going to have a great weekend. I’ve got a great team in my corner who are going to make me look good.”
