Brad Jones Racing has confirmed its international co-drivers’ line-up for the Armor All Gold Coast 600 with the signing of three endurance specialists.
Sportscar stars Nicolas Minassian, Stephane Sarrazin and Jamie Campbell-Walter will all join the team for the Surfers Paradise street race in October.
Frenchman Sarrazin, who has spent the majority of this season driving in the FIA World Endurance Championship will again share the #8 Team BOC Commodore with Jason Bright. Last year, they finished 21st on the Saturday but failed to finish the Sunday race after Bright had contact with Italian Gianni Morbidelli.
Fellow Frenchman Minassian, who has also been competing in this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship, will team up with Fabian Coulthard in the #14 Lockwood Racing entry. A veteran of 13 Le Mans 24 Hour races, Minassian is also no stranger to V8 Supercars, having raced at Sandown and Bathurst in 2003 with Team Dynamik, finishing 11th at the Mt Panorama circuit alongside Dane Jan Magnussen.
Nearly a decade after his last appearance, Minassian is eager to get another chance, after a schedule conflict kept him away from last year’s event.
“Brad contacted me last year but I could not come as I was testing with Peugeot at that time,” said Minassian.
“We kept in touch and he offered me the drive again this year. I am very happy he chose me to be part of the team for this year’s race.
“I did the Bathurst 1000 and Sandown 500 in 2003. I have to be honest; it was not an easy ride to get used to! When I got used to it at Bathurst in the race it was lots of fun; pure racing! You’ve really got to drive the car hard to be fast.”
2000 FIA GT Champion and 1999 British GT Champion Jamie Campbell-Walter, currently racing in the Blancpain Endurance Series will share the #21 Wilson Security Commodore with David Wall.
The 39 year old is looking forward to his V8 Supercars debut after speaking to fellow GT driver Richard Westbrook.
“I have had a chat with Richard Westbrook, who drove in the Gold Coast race last year (with Todd Kelly),” said Campbell-Walter.
“He said it was tough to compete with the regular drivers but a really enjoyable experience! I can’t wait!
“I have known Brad (Jones) since he turned up at the Lister Storm workshop one day to meet our then engine builder Rob Benson.
“I just so happened to be there that day and got chatting in 2002. I have kept in touch ever since and I am really grateful to Brad for giving me this opportunity.”
The Gold Coast 600 takes place on 19 – 21 October.