TWO years ago ace British driver Oliver Gavin picked up one of his career highlights when he stood on the Bathurst 1000 podium, but in 2016 he will not have the chance to repeat those heroics.
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Gavin was set to join Nick Percat, the man he co-drove for when placing third in the 2014 Great Race, at Mount Panorama this year.
He was hoping to repeat his past success when he became the first Englishman in 16 years to earn a Bathurst 1000 podium.
While a prior scheduled commitment meant he could not race the first leg of the Supercars’ endurance season at Sandown, Gavin had also planned to drive in the Gold Coast 600 alongside Percat in a Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport entry.
But a previously unforeseen clash with Oliver’s factory Corvette Racing Team – a three-day manufacturer tyre test – ruled him out of the Gold Coast round.
The five-time Le Mans class winner was still free to drive at Bathurst, but decided to withdraw from the October event as well.
Percat is disappointed not to again be sharing his Commodore with Gavin, but understood the decision the GT ace made.
“When the tyre test was scheduled, Oli immediately knew he couldn’t put his best foot forward in just one race,” Percat said.
“He’s professional and knows what’s best for me and LDM [Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport], and we understand where his priorities lie,” Percat said.
Percat will now share his seat in all three endurance events with the experienced Cameron McConville.
His Great Race resume boasts five podium finishes, including being runner-up in 1999 with Craig Lowndes and again in 2009 with Jason Richards.
“Obviously we’re disappointed Oli’s not able to race with us, but we’re also pleased Cameron is able to step in,” Percat said.
“Cam and I have been close since we were both co-drivers at the Holden Racing Team, he’s a quality, race winning driver and we know he will do a great job.”
McConville said he was delighted when gaining a call up for his 21st Bathurst 1000 start.
“Last month I was just carrying the oranges, but now I’ve come off the bench and am in the game – it’s all unexpected, but I’m excited,” McConville said.
“[I] Feel like a kid on Christmas Eve going back to Bathurst again this year as a co-driver.
“I was happy to co-drive with Nick just at Sandown, but Oli’s Corvette commitments take priority and it’s opened up a welcome opportunity for me.
“My intentions were to see how Sandown went before throwing my hat into the ring for a full enduro campaign next year, but that’s changed. I’ve kept sharp racing other categories.”
