Super Black Racing has confirmed New Zealander Chris Pither will remain in the #111 Falcon at the upcoming Coates Hire Sydney 500, ahead of a full-time drive in 2016.
Pither, replaced fellow Kiwi Andre Heimgartner in an evaluation drive at the Phillip Island SuperSprint, impressing team owner Tony Lentino, and will take over from the 20-year old rookie full-time next season.
After the late call-up, Pither finished 24th in both Saturday races and 19th on Sunday, despite the 28-year-old not having driven at the Island circuit since 2008.
“He did a great job at Phillip Island. He’s got a good knowledge of cars and setup and worked really well with the team,” said Lentino.
“We’re excited to have him on board for next year and see how he develops as the year goes on.”
“He has a wealth of experience so we’re excited to see where it goes. We have high hopes.”
Currently in fourth in the Dunlop Series standings, Pither is thrilled to have secured a full-time V8 Supercars drive.
“Being asked to drive the car at Phillip Island and work with Super Black was such a great opportunity and one that I thoroughly enjoyed,” said Pither.
“I’m really excited to have the chance to work with them and hopefully we can get some good results.
“It’s great to step up from the Dunlop Series into the main game but the level of competition is completely different.
“I am looking forward to working hard and doing the best that I can for the team.”
Pither is expected to bring financial backing from long-term sponsor Ice Break Coffee.
Heimgartner’s future in the series remains unclear, but has recently been linked to the third seat at Brad Jones Racing to the Nissan-bound replacing the Nissan-bound Dale Wood.
