EAST Albury-based V8 Supercars team, Brad Jones Racing, has announced that Tim Slade will drive the team’s Freightliner Commodore next year.
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Slade will finish the 2015 season at Walkinshaw’s Supercheap Auto Racing before making the switch to BJR, where he replaces Fabian Coulthard.
New Zealand driver Coulthard is joining American-owned V8 Supercars squad DJR Team Penske.
Slade has earned a podium finish this season and will line up for his last event in Supercheap Auto colours next week in Sydney.
Last year he was strong at the street circuit, finishing second to Jamie Whincup in the first race and ending all three in the top 10.
It’s been a while since he has been in a race winning car, so I have real faith that Tim is a race winner and a championship contender.
- Brad Jones
Slade is still chasing his maiden V8 Supercars race win and BJR is confident the new partnership can achieve plenty next season.
“I am really excited as we feel Tim has untapped potential, which BJR have a history of uncorking with drivers,” BJR team principal Brad Jones said.
“I think his talent, combined with our crew, will make for a really great 2016.
“I watched Tim a few years ago when he was at Stone Brothers and he really showed that he had the potential to be a top-five driver in V8 Supercars.
“He should have won a couple a races.”
Making his fulltime debut in 2009, Slade is no stranger to the series, claiming several podium positions.
He finished fifth overall in the championship in 2012.
Slade is 13th in this year’s drivers’ championship title race behind the leader, Mark Winterbottom, of the Pepsi Max Crew.
Given the right circumstances, Jones believes Slade can be a championship contender.
“Tim struggled when he went to the Mercedes team, but the team was developing brand new cars to the category, so that was to be expected,” he said.
“It’s been a while since he has been in a race winning car like the Freightliner Commodore, so I have real faith that Tim is a race winner and a championship contender.
“I have spent a fair bit of time getting to know Tim and think he is a great fit for BJR.
“He has true speed, a great attitude and a real desire to win – just like us.”
Slade is just as positive about the partnership.
“I think the Freightliner Racing team will suit me,” Slade said.
“Originally being a country boy from Adelaide, and also having experience with a family team background, working with the guys from SBR.
“I’m looking forward to being back in that family team environment again.”
Slade clearly sees this move as the chance he has been looking to stamp his authority on the series.
“The team have been one of the benchmark teams since the introduction of the car of the future and have had some really strong race results,” Slade said.
