The Rogers traits Golding sees in Xiberras

James Golding has found creature comforts at his new home in an unlikely source.

Golding is one round into his tenure at PremiAir Racing, which is owned by Peter Xiberras.

Xiberras, a racer in his own right, was responsible for returning Golding to the full-time fold.

Golding was a long-time fixture of Garry Rogers Motorsport, with Rogers known for blooding fresh talent.

Rogers unearthed the likes of Garth Tander, Jamie Whincup and Scott McLaughlin, and gave Golding a similar chance.

Golding says Xiberras shares in Rogers’ “old school” way of doing things.

That is, have fun, but don’t forget the task at hand.

Golding and Rogers in 2019

Also like Rogers, Xiberras is present trackside, but leaves the operations to Team Principal Matt Cook.

“There are definitely similarities,” Golding told Supercars.com of Xiberras and Rogers.

“They have their old school ways and their mentalities are pretty similar.

“It’s about learning with the team and seeing how we end up.

“The attitude and the vibe of the place is pretty good.

Xiberras made his intentions of progress clear when the team parted ways with Garry Jacobson.

Top of the list was finding a driver who could slot into PremiAir Racing’s culture.

There, the team found a hungry, seasoned Golding, who last raced full-time in 2019 with GRM.

Xiberras was confident Golding could do a job for him, but wanted him to be patient.

“We all want to improve and having that attitude is important when things aren't quite working,” Xiberras told Supercars.com in Townsville.

"There were a lot of options out there; you want a guy to be quick and reliable.

"But we also wanted a guy to fit in with our team dynamic and structure.

"It’s like he’s been with us since the start of the year. He fits in like a hand in a glove.

"There’s zero expectation this week. But equally, I don’t want him to be a hero on the first lap.

Team Principal Cook oversee operations

"He can his elbows out later in the year. But he needs to get comfortable first.”

Golding now heads to Tailem Bend, where he raced for GRM in 2018 and 2019.

There, the 2022 S5000 runner-up will be keen to put what he learned in Townsville to greater effect.

“I am really looking forward to going through everything and seeing what we can do better,” Golding said.

"Honestly, I really enjoyed the weekend… the results might not have been there but working with the team is awesome.

"I felt pretty comfortable straight away with everything.

“Now is the time to go through everything and see where we can improve and move forward."

The 2022 season will resume at the OTR SuperSprint on July 30-31. Purchase your tickets now.