Kiwi Ant Pedersen has been confirmed alongside Andre Heimgartner at Super Black Racing for the upcoming Pirtek Enduro Cup.
Pedersen, who is currently competing in the Development Series for Eggleston Motorsport, piloted the Super Black Racing Falcon with Heimgartner to an impressive 11th place finish when the team debuted as a wildcard at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in 2014.
A strong showing at that event was the catalyst for team owner Tony Letino and team principal Paul Radisich to push ahead with plans to run full time in the 2015 V8 Supercars season.
Selected for the full time drive, Heimgartner has continued to impress with strong performances in the early stages of the championship and the team is hoping to continue its form into the Enduro Cup, while Pedersen has already taken a fourth and fifth place at the Clipsal 500 event earlier in the year.
“Last year was an emotional roller coaster ride at Bathurst, with the team debuting but performing exceptionally despite being on a huge learning curve,” said Pedersen.
“This time around they will have the best part of a full season behind them before the first enduro and they will be well placed to make a big step forward in the enduros.
“It’s going to be great to be part of that. The support from everyone following us in New Zealand was huge and we expect it to be even bigger in 2015.
“By the time I get into the car to join Andre, I’ll have clocked up a lot of miles in the Development Series car so am definitely aiming to hit the ground running with Super Black and the Ford FGX.
“Plus of course, we have the experience of Bathurst 2014 in our back pockets now and that will be a big help, and a major motivator for the team too.
“I’m definitely optimistic that if we continue to perform at the high level the team has achieved so far in 2015, great results are achievable.”
Although the team campaigns its own Development Series entry with Simon Evans, Lentino says Pedersen’s return was never in doubt.
“After their impressive performance at Bathurst, there was never really any other option for us but Andre and Ant,” Lentino said.
“They’re both great drivers and both have always been part of our team.
“Having Ant back this season was always a priority. He was there when Super Black Racing started and knows the team so well already.
“That seamless integration into the team will be an important part of our overall performance at all of the enduros.”
The Pirtek Enduro Cup kicks off at Sandown Raceway in September.
