Troy Bayliss confirmed to co-drive with Dean Fiore at Phillip Island and Bathurst
For Immediate Release: Thursday August 20, 2009.
Fluid PR is pleased to announce that current and three-time World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss will join Dean Fiore in a Paul Morris Motorsports prepared Triple F Racing Commodore at this year’s L& H 500 and Super Cheap Auto Bathurst 1000 V8 Supercar events.
Since securing his third world title less than 12 months ago Bayliss has made the successful transition from the premier two wheel class to securing a main game drive in what are arguably, two of the toughest touring car races in the world.
The multiple World Champion, had his first taste of V8 Supercars back in June when he tested Craig Lowndes’ TeamVodafone V8 Supercar at Queensland Raceway. Incredibly, he set a time that was just three tenths of a second off Lowndes’ fastest lap of the day.
Since then Bayliss has explored his options with a number of V8 Supercar teams including Paul Morris Motorsports and Kelly Racing before accepting an invitation to race alongside Fiore.
Bayliss, who will take part in tomorrow’s 35 minute opening practice session at Queensland Raceway, said he was looking forward to the challenge of switching from two to four wheels.
“It has been a long time coming and now the deal has been put together,” Bayliss said. “I am really excited to be making my debut in the V8 Supercar Series.”
“It’s going to be a huge challenge but it is something that I’ve longed to do for some time. It’s going to be a massive test for me, especially at Bathurst, where my first priority will be to finish and then we’ll see where it may lead to for next year.
“I know the Phillip Island track quite well, I have had a lot of success there on a bike but it’s going to be different when I go there next month in a V8 Supercar. I have watched Bathurst on the couch since I was a kid, I can’t believe I am actually going to be there driving the mountain.”
Fiore, who is also contesting his first full season behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar, said he was looking forward to racing with Bayliss.
“To race alongside Troy [Bayliss] is an absolute honour,” Fiore said, “While he is fairly green to the world of V8 Supercar Racing, the way conducts himself with such professionalism is certainly something which I draw on and learn from.”
“Troy [Bayliss] has achieved so much throughout his career and in a short time he is showing signs that he will be a great co-driver.”
CRC Industries Australia will also support Bayliss’ debut into V8 Supercars through their Kitten Car Care brand with the company’s National Marketing Manager, Ian Maidens saying it is a privilege to be associated with the multiple World Champion.
“We are happy to have Troy Bayliss on board for Phillip Island and Bathurst,” Maidens said, “He is an Australian motor racing icon and it will be great to see him behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar at both Phillip Island and Bathurst.”:
The #12 Commodore will carry the livery of Kitten Car Care Products this weekend at Queensland Raceway before receiving a striking new design for Phillip Island and Bathurst.
The L&H 500 at Phillip Island will take place on September 11 – 13 ahead of the Super Cheap Auto Bathurst 100 at the hallowed Mount Panorama circuit on October 8 – 11.