Prodrive pays tribute to Tony Lentino

Prodrive boss Tim Edwards has vowed to keep the Super Black flag flying in this year’s Supercars Championship following the death of owner Tony Lentino.

Lentino, 42, died at his Wellsford, New Zealand home earlier today following a 15 month battle with cancer.

Introduced to the sport by long-time friend and Prodrive co-owner Rusty French, Lentino’s Super Black entry has been run by the Ford squad since its inception in late 2014.

Super Black owns the #111 Racing Entitlements Contract that is currently used to field Chris Pither, paying Prodrive to prepare and operate the FG X Falcon alongside the team’s own three entries.

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“On behalf of everyone at Prodrive Racing we pass on our sincerest sympathies to Tony’s wife Emily, his two young daughters and their family and friends following his passing,” said Edwards in a statement.

“First and foremost Tony will be remembered as an extremely passionate man who loved racing, loved giving the little guy a chance and most of all, liked taking it to the Aussies on and off the track.

“While he only came to the sport relatively late, he was adamant the team represent New Zealand in everything it did and that national pride is what has seen the team attract such a strong following on both sides of the Tasman.

“We will keep the Super Black Racing flag flying and will race on in dedication to Tony and the team he created.”

French, who bought his first computer from Lentino when the latter was a fresh-faced 17-year-old, enjoyed a personal and professional relationship with the Kiwi.

“My family and I are deeply saddened by Tony’s passing and our focus is on Emily and her daughters and supporting them in whatever way possible,” French said.

“I met Tony by chance when he installed my first ever computer in my business two decades ago and while I didn’t know it at the time, a very strong friendship grew out of what was a simple business transaction.

“He and I shared many common interests and passions and my family and I are richer for having known him as well as we did.”

Tributes have also begun to flow in from others in the Supercars community.

Sad to hear the passing of Tony Lentino – thoughts are with his family and the team at @SuperBlackNZ 🇳🇿

— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin93) July 25, 2016

Very saddened to hear about the passing of Tony Lentino today. Admired his passion and support toward kiwis and his @SuperBlackNZ team

— Shane van Gisbergen (@shanevg97) July 25, 2016

Sad to wake up a hear that @SuperBlackNZ boss Tony Lentino has passed away. Thoughts are with Emily and the kids.

— Mark Winterbottom (@mwinterbottom) July 25, 2016

(1/2) Its a sad day, Tony Lentino has passed away. You’ll be greatly missed mate, I can’t thank you enough for making my dreams come true…

— Andre Heimgartner (@andreheimgartne) July 25, 2016

(2/2) & giving me my start. You were an awesome guy with a heart of gold! Ill see you up there later brother ✌🏻️ RIP pic.twitter.com/7v2jebVNRF

— Andre Heimgartner (@andreheimgartne) July 25, 2016