Blanchard returns to Trans Am action in Darwin with Maverick

Former Super 2 race winner and Cooldrive Racing team owner Tim Blanchard will make his return to the Choices Flooring Trans Am Cup Series when the category joins the Supercars Championship at the betr Triple Crown at Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin this weekend June 19-21. 

Blanchard will drive a Maverick Performance-prepared Ford Mustang, the same car Jimmy Golding took to a podium finish at Round one of the series, under the guidance of experienced team owner Gerard McLeod, marking Blanchard’s first Trans Am Cup Series appearance in 12 months.

Blanchard noted the Darwin event has long been a favourite of his and was eager to get back on the grid in a competitive car at such a great event.

"It's great to be back in the Trans Am Cup Series," said Blanchard.

"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.

"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.

Maverick Performance owner Gerard McLeod said he was pleased to have Tim in his car especially after such a strong start to the season with Golding at the Bathurst 6 Hour.  

"Tim has a wealth of experience and is a highly credentialed driver with lots of muscle memory, so anyone who doesn't see him as a genuine contender is kidding themselves."

"He was instantly on the pace at our test day at Winton and really gelled with the car and team so it will be great to see what he can do this weekend."

Blanchard's return adds further strength to an already highly competitive Round Two of the Choices Flooring Trans Am Cup Series with names like Moffat, Barbour, Herne, Tracey and Hazelwood all ready to take on the Darwin heat and the 2.9 km Hidden Valley Raceway. 

Round Two of The Choices Flooring Trans Am Cup Series will feature one practise session, one qualifying session and one race on Friday followed by race two on Saturday with the final race three on Sunday morning while all the action from qualifying onwards can be seen on Fox Sports and Kayo (check your local guides).