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Moffat Out for Bathurst Redemption
JAMES Moffat is looking to bounce back from an up-and-down opening round of the Trico Trans Am Series at Symmons Plains Raceway, with the upcoming event at Mount Panorama Bathurst having the LMCT+-backed driver looking for a big haul of points.
After leading the opening half of race one, a bent axle sent the 2023 champion to the rear of the field, which saw the Mustang driver race his way back to the front over the ensuing three heats.
Ultimately, he finished third in the finale.
With Tasmania behind him, Moffat can move on to a happy hunting ground at Bathurst.
Two years ago, he sealed the Trans Am title at the venue after winning the opening race for the meet from pole, while last year, he registered a further two podium finishes from the Bathurst International meet.
“Bathurst, Easter time as well, the Trans Am cars are a heap of fun to drive around Mount Panorama,” said Moffat.
“With 40 plus cars entered for the weekend, it’s going to be massive. That event, the 6 Hour weekend, is always amazing, and we’re looking forward to getting back up there.
“We were reasonably speedy there last year, so hopefully we can continue that this year.”
So, what are the keys to getting a Trans Am around Bathurst?
“Gees, that’s a very good question – just hold on!” Said Moffat.
“Especially across the top of The Mountain, they are a lot of fun to drive, because of the cross-ply Hoosier tyre, they do move around a lot.
“Ultra-committed like anything else around Bathurst, but a lot of fun.”
For Moffat, the continued race miles during the season are all-important in the lead-up to the Repco Bathurst 1000, an event where he has earned two second-place finishes, a third, and four other top-ten results.
This year he will line up alongside Thomas Randle in the Tickford Racing prepared Castrol Mustang for The Great Race, with the combination likely to be in the front running mix.
“I think anything that keeps you race fit throughout the year when you are doing that co-driver role in Supercars, definitely is a help, and for me, I really enjoy driving these cars,” said Moffat.
“The intensity of the competition, especially this year, is going to help come the enduro time.”
The Trans Am category is proving to be a popular outlet for Supercars enduro drivers to keep their eye in throughout the season, with Todd Hazelwood (Shell V-Power Racing), Jack Smith (SCT Logistics) and Jarrod Hughes (Erebus Motorsport) also set to line up at Bathurst in October, while James Golding is a regular main game driver for PremiAir Racing.
The Hi-Tec Oils Bathurst 6 Hour is set for April 18-20, with further details available at bathurst6hour.com.au.