IM to enter three cars in Hampton Downs 500

International Motorsport will enter three cars in next month’s Hampton Downs 500.

The Auckland-based company has a long and successful tradition in Australasian motorsport, having won Bathurst, the New Zealand Grand Prix, the Toyota Racing Series and many other championships since it was founded in 1960.

In recent years, the team’s focus has been on GT racing and they aim to make a serious splash at country’s preeminent GT race.

“We’re hoping to have three cars on the starting grid at Hampton Downs,” team manager Nick Williamson said.

“The plan is to make it to Highlands [for the Highlands 501 a fortnight later] as well but you never count your chickens in motorsport. It’s still four weeks out from the event and motorsport can be a cruel mistress sometimes.”

Jon Udy and Michael Scott will share an Audi R8 LMS at Hampton Downs and International Motorsport are close to confirming a couple of world class Kiwi drivers in the other two cars.

Udy has a background in drifting and was inspired to try his hand at GT racing after watching fellow Kiwi drift star Mad Mike Whiddett make a successful transition at last year’s event.

“I think the drift guys are often underestimated in terms of their driving ability,” says Udy. “Mike showed last year that the fundamentals are there and I was really impressed at how quickly he got to grips with circuit racing. I’ve a little bit more experience than him on the track so hopefully I’ll go all right.”

International Motorsport plans to enter the Bathurst 12 Hour race early in 2018 and Williamson is planning on using these to local events as preparation.

“The two Australian GT events in New Zealand will be a great litmus test to see where we’re at,” he said.