PREMIAIR Racing has confirmed James Golding and Tim Slade as its driver line-up for the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship.
Slade was long tipped to join from the Blanchard Racing Team and indeed was formally announced a fortnight ago to replace Chris Pither.
It’s now official that Golding will continue in the #31 entry next season, having impressed since being picked up mid-season.
The news continues a rollercoaster week for the 26-year-old, who on Sunday delivered his and PremiAir’s maiden Top 10 Shootout berth before triggering a major pile-up early in that afternoon’s race.
Golding suffered a sprained left wrist in the incident but has been cleared of any fractures.
MORE: Golding may drive Lowndes wildcard car in Adelaide
Having established himself as a regular top 10 contender, a new deal was a “no-brainer” according to team owner Peter Xiberras.
“Despite being thrown in the deep end partway through a highly competitive Supercars season, Jimmy has held his own and worked exceptionally well with our team to deliver increasingly improved results,” he said.
“We have greatly enjoyed working with Jimmy over the second half of the 2022 season and to us it was a no-brainer to keep him on for 2023.
“I know everyone at PremiAir Racing is very pleased that he will be continuing on with us for the new season.”
Team principal Matt Cook added: “There is no arguing the fact that Jimmy is talented behind the wheel and with what he has been able to deliver in a baptism of fire and in our older car no less, we are truly excited to see what we can do together across an entire season, and with new Gen3 equipment to boot.”
PremiAir Racing will field turnkey Triple Eight Camaros next season.
The 2023 season will mark Golding’s third full Supercars Championship campaign, having been a regular for Garry Rogers Motorsport in 2018-19 before spending the next two years as a Team 18 co-driver.
MORE: Meet the man set to be Supercars’ next rookie
“Since joining the team halfway through the season, it has been a big challenge for sure but one that I have really enjoyed,” Golding said.
“It has been great working with the whole team and improving our performance as the year has progressed.
“I want to thank Peter and Matt for the opportunity they have given me to not only prove myself, but also trust me to lead the team in the right direction.
“I also want to thank everyone who played an important role in my return to Supercars and have ultimately led me to this opportunity. I thank my family, friends, and sponsors for their tremendous support on what was a difficult time away from full-time Supercars racing.
“From the moment I joined PremiAir Racing I have felt welcomed. I am excited by the potential I can see in our young team. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in 2023.”
