Geoff Emery set for Australian GT return

Geoff Emery plans to make his competitive racing return in the opening round of the Australian GT Championship at next month’s Clipsal 500.

The experienced Melbourne driver has been sidelined from the sport for 10 months after sustaining a fractured vertebra following a crash at Perth’s Barbagallo Raceway last year.

Emery has completed lengthy recovery process which initially saw the former Dunlop Series driver fitted with a back brace after surgeons inserted a metal plate into his back to assist the healing process.

After completing a prolonged course of physiotherapy, Emery is now ready to return to the wheel of the #74 Jamec Pem Audi R8.

He is set to drive for the first time during a test day next week ahead of the Adelaide season opener from March 2-5.

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“This is the longest stint I’ve had out of a car in probably 20 years,” said Emery.

“It’s been pretty frustrating watching all the racing going and have just been focused on my rehab.

“I’ve been doing a lot of personal training sessions, Pilates and pushbike riding five or six days a week. It’s been a hard road.

“I had so much momentum going last year until my accident.

“We had good pace in the first three rounds and it’s such a shame that it came to an abrupt end like that.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on and carrying on with that.

“I’m not going back to putt around, I’m going back to get serious about it and have a fairly good crack.”

Emery is set to compete in both the Australian GT and the Australian Endurance Championship this season.