FORMER European-based Kiwi Brendon Leitch will contest the full 2024 GT World Challenge Australia season alongside countryman Tim Miles.
The Pro-Am duo will race a Melbourne Performance Centre-prepared Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2, starting at Phillip Island on April 12-14.
Leitch has vast experience abroad in open-wheelers and GT3 cars, and last year won the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe title.
“I’m really excited to be driving with Tim and MPC. It’s my first time racing in Australia, so I’m looking forward to racing in GT World Challenge and having some fun,” said the 28-year-old.
“Coming over to Australia gives me the chance to tick off some bucket list racetracks and for the first round to be at Phillip Island, it’s really cool.
“I’ve done a lot of simulator laps at Phillip Island. It’s an amazing track. I’ve been to the track before, but I was only four years old, so racing there will be a whole new challenge.
“The GT World Challenge field looks competitive. There is some strong competition there. But having Tim is a great bonus. He has lots of experience and is one of the best Am drivers going around.
“I think we have a really good shot at winning, but it all needs to come together. I’m really excited for the season and I can’t wait for it to get underway.”
Miles has been a regular in Carrera Cup and has some GT experience, including teaming up with Jack Smith for a three-hour race at Bathurst in 2022.
Miles is also notable in motorsport circles as a former co-owner of Triple Eight, and as the man who has brokered the last two sales of Supercars.
“The GT calendar really appealed to me. Thursday testing is great, and the cars are a heap of fun to drive with all the downforce and electronic aids that give you confidence,” he said.
“I haven’t been to Phillip Island for a number of years, same with Sydney Motorsport Park, so for me, going back to those places is really appealing.
“The calendar is perfect for GT race cars – Tailem Bend, Phillip Island and Bathurst immensely suit the GT cars.
“Having a young Kiwi bloke that I’ve known for many years is going to be really fun too. Brendon is blinding fast and trying to forge a career in Europe and has a number of races over there but not enough to constitute a year.
“I drove with him in Highlands 6 Hour and I was really impressed. I was keen to partner with him, help him get into the Australian scene and hopefully do a good job of showcasing himself close to home.”
