Pretty capitalises on Noske "falling out"
9/8/2000 20:03 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) - Nathan Pretty has capitalised on Mark Noske’s unfortunate falling-out with the factory Holden operation, to snare a pivotal HRT seat for the impending endurance events.
Nathan Pretty will co-pilot the #2 car at Queensland Raceway, and the #15 car at Bathurst with Todd Kelly
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Pretty will partner Young Lion, Todd Kelly, in the second HRT machine for the Queensland 500 next month. He will later again team with Kelly, in the Mycar Young Lion Commodore, for Bathurst.
Shell Series campaigners, Craig Lowndes and Mark Skaife, will pair together in the lead car at both events, while the number two HRT Commodore will be filled by Brits, Yvan Muller and Jason Plato, in the 1000km epic.
Mark Noske had originally been named in the squad, however a clash with Bathurst Nation’s Cup commitments saw the youngster eventually dropped from the factory team by manager, Jeff Grech.
In announcing the signing of his newest recruit, Grech said of all the drivers that tested for the seat – Gavin Monaghan among them – Nathan stood out from the pack.
"Nathan was one of a number of drivers HRT tested – all of whom were very talented. In selecting Nathan, we were impressed with his car speed, his technical feedback and the fact that he has previous Bathurst experience,” Grech said.
"We are confident he will be an excellent choice to partner Todd Kelly at these two important events for the team," he said.
Pretty – most known for his AUSCAR/NASCAR exploits (he was named AUSCAR Rookie of the Year in 1994) – was ecstatic at the prospect of joining the country’s top motorsport operation.
"To get a test drive was one thing, but to actually get to race for the team was a huge shock! It's always been a dream of mine to drive for a leading team, but to drive with HRT is a real honour," 27-year-old Pretty said.
“I'm well aware of my role in the team, and that is to support Todd, maintain a consistent on-track pace and give the car back in one piece.”
“HRT has given me a big break and it's up to me now to repay them for the chance they've given me," Pretty said.
Pretty, along with HRT’s two British Touring Car recruits, will test with the team for two days next month in readiness for the endurance events – the Queensland 500 in September, and the FAI 1000 in November.
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