Luke Youlden will pair with Mark Winterbottom in the endurance events at Phillip Island and Bathurst
Luke Youlden has been confirmed as Mark Winterbottom’s co-driver in the #5 Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon for the upcoming L&H 500 at Phillip Island and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 events.
Youlden, who has raced at the famous Mount Panorama circuit on ten occasions previously, is excited about the opportunity of not only playing a key role in the team’s chances at the endurance races but also Winterbottom’s championship campaign.
“I’m very much looking forward to this year, I’m probably just as excited this year as what I was when I made my debut alongside Christian Murchison in 2000,” said Youlden.
“There is a lot of pressure on me to do a good job but every time I’ve gone to Bathurst I’ve gone there to do a good job, so it really doesn’t require any different approach. I’ve finished on the podium at Bathurst and also the lead-up event before (Sandown 500 – 2003) and would dearly love to be up there again.”
This year marks the third year that Youlden has lined up in an Orrcon Steel-backed car for the endurance event having paired with Dean Canto – who will partner Paul Dumbrell in 2010 – during 2008 and 2009.
With the 2010 regulations stating that the regular drivers in the championship must compete in their regular cars at the endurance events, it ruled out a Winterbottom/Steve Richards combination, however, Winterbottom is pleased to have Youlden’s experience in his corner.
“It would have been nice to have gone to Bathurst with Richo again as my co-driver so that we could finish the job that we’ve worked so hard for over the past few years but the rules have changed and we’re not able to do it,” said Winterbottom.
“When you go to Bathurst there are not too many guys who have got the experience that Luke has got, his record at the Mountain is as good as anyone out there.
“Finishing is really the key in the endurance events. It is important to have a guy who can be quick but also make sure they can get the car to the finish in one piece and I think Luke has shown that he is capable of both.”
Richards, a dual Bathurst Champion, will share the driving duties in the Orrcon Steel-backed #6 Dunlop Super Dealer FPR Falcon with another second-generation racer James Moffat.
While also competing in the Fujitsu Series in 2010 Moffat will be making his debut in the ‘main game’ at the L&H 500 next month before tackling Australia’s ‘Great Race’ won by is famous father Allan on four occasions on the second weekend in October.
