Subaru Motorsport driver, Dean Herridge, is set to return to tarmac racing this weekend at the WPS Bathurst 12-Hour Showroom Enduro.
Herridge headed up the Subaru tarmac campaign in Australia in 2006, racing at Mt Buller, Rally Tasmania and Targa Tasmania.
While most of his recent outings have been on dirt in the Australian Rally Championship, the West Australian is looking forward to going back to bitumen, even if this time it is head-to-head racing.
In preparation for the circuit race on the famous Mt Panorama track, Herridge entered a race at Barbagallo Raceway in Wanneroo, in February. He enjoyed the experience and is looking forward to racing at Bathurst.
“I can see why people think it’s bit of a buzz,” Herridge said.
“I found it quite exhilarating to have other cars around me. It’s a whole different race craft, which I had to learn quickly.”
Herridge has driven around Mt Panorama at 60 kilometres per hour like many Australians, but he now has the chance to push his car to the limits.
“We’ve got to treat it with respect, it can bite viciously,” said Herridge. “We’ve had a few discussions leading up to the event, getting some tips from our team mate for the weekend, Neil Crompton, who has told us what to do, what not to do, and what to be careful of.”
Bathurst will certainly be a new challenge says Herridge.
“Having now done a few tarmac events it has given me more confidence for Bathurst. I’ve got a feel for the car we are running in Bathurst. I’m confident that I can get in the car and do a good job.”
“It’s the people and cars around us that we have to get used to.”
“It’s a 12-hour race. The idea is to get to the end with minimum problems at the fastest speed.”
“Sounds simple doesn’t it!” quipped Herridge.
HEAR THE FULL DEAN HERRIDGE INTERVIEW
SUBSCRIBE BELOW TO READ THE FULL STORY
