GILCHRIST is a famous surname in Australian sporting circles; soon enough it could be in New Zealand motorsport, too.
Three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen certainly thinks so, judging by what he observed of Brock Gilchrist’s brief debut in a Gen3 Chevrolet Camaro last week.
Gilchrist got the chance to cut some laps when the Triple Eight wildcard crew headed out to Queensland Raceway for the second of its three allocated test days.
The opportunity was granted to Gilchrist as part of his prize for winning the 2023 New Zealand Toyota 86 Series.
“I keep saying it but it really was an unreal day and I still can’t tell if I was dreaming,” said the 20-year-old.
“It was everything I had expected and so much more. The atmosphere was great and the whole team could not do enough to make me comfortable and feel at home.
“All in all, what an experience. It was the coolest of days to work alongside Triple Eight Race Engineering. All I can say is a massive thanks to the Tony Quinn Foundation and everyone who selected me for the test and made it all possible.
“Knowing I’ve driven in the wildcard car and watching it go around Bathurst will feel pretty cool.
“Shane’s input to my driving was invaluable. He’s at the top of his game right now and for him to make the time to help me was very generous.”
Van Gisbergen, a proud supporter of up-and-coming Kiwi talent, said: “It was pretty awesome for Brock to get the opportunity to come and test through Tony’s Foundation and Brock did very well.
“He asked all the right questions and did all the right preparation to do a good job.
“We went to Norwell the day before and did a little bit of driver coaching stuff but he was very fast and onto it anyway.
“He only got limited laps in the Supercar but with what he did he didn’t put a foot wrong and built up every lap.
“The guys were stoked to have him there and he did an awesome job, and hopefully it leads to more opportunities in the future.
“He has an exciting future ahead of him.”
Another prized opportunity attached to his NZ Toyota 86 title is the chance to race a GR Supra GT4 Evo next month at the Nürburgring, competing in ADAC GT4 Germany.
