After taking part in the inaugural Challenge Bathurst event in a Porsche, this time around Pennells tackled the Supersprint in a Radical SR3RS.

The Bathurst driver was excited prior to his familiarisation session.

“I literally bought the Radical last week, so it’s my first run in this today. It’s not a bad place to shake it out,” he said.

“The whole idea of buying this is low running cost, the Porsche had a high running cost and this thing is a quarter of that. It’s probably even a faster car.

“I am nervous, but can’t wait … if I keep it off the wall I’m happy. Today is just a feel day, just to really slowly build up to something and then go from there.”

Pennells did build in that session, improving by a tick over 18 seconds. Later on his times were impacted by the rainy conditions, but he still enjoyed the chance to cut laps on his home circuit before hopefully joining the Radical Australia Cup next year.

“The really good thing about this event is that everybody in every car can come and run. It gives you an extra opportunity to get out on the track, which is not an easy thing to do,” he said.

“Some of the cars here are unbelievable, the group I am in is full of Lamborghinis and stuff like that. It’s nice to run with cars like that.

“Radicals are really easy, really good to drive. It’s just a matter of trying to maximise how to drive it.”