Chris Atkinson will compete in the final round of the Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series in Sydney as the category’s Wildcard entrant.
Atkinson, regarded as Australia’s most successful rally driver, will make his fourth circuit race appearance, following his efforts in MINI Challenge at Townsville (2009), the Bathurst 12 Hour (2007) and the Nurburgring 24 Hour.
The current Asia Pacific Rally Champion will drive the same car that Jason Bargwanna drove at Winton last weekend.
The meeting will mark Atkinson’s first competitive outing in a rear-wheel drive vehicle and hopes to overcome his inexperience on the tricky street track.
“I’ve driven some tricky tracks, I’ve heard the walls are pretty close in Sydney so it’s going to be different driving the Ute around a proper street circuit,” said Atkinson.
“It would have been great to get some time in the Ute, I’m going to be fresh out there and hopefully I’ll pick it up really quickly.
“I’m trying to get in a Ute at Morris Motorsport before next weekend so I’ll see how I go.”
“I’m not sure if I should follow the other guys or find my own way around the circuit. I’ve never raced a rear wheel drive vehicle, it will be my first time and I’ll need to be a bit more sensible with my right foot,” he said with a grin.
Atkinson and his V8 Utes rivals will take to the track for the first time on Friday (November 30) for two practice sessions followed by qualifying at 1645.