Veteran Fiore locked in for BJR co-drive

Dean Fiore will partner with Todd Hazelwood at Brad Jones Racing for October’s Repco Bathurst 1000.

Fiore, who steered a Team 18 entry into the top 10 with Scott Pye last year, will share the #14 Commodore with Hazelwood.

The 37-year-old has made 12 Bathurst starts for a best finish of sixth, which he recorded last year.

He also finished sixth alongside Michael Caruso in a Kelly Racing Nissan in 2017.

“I'm very excited to be teaming up with Todd and BJR,” said Fiore, a veteran of 90 Supercar rounds and 172 races.

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“I've been watching the races and keeping up with Todd’s progress, a lot of people in motorsport speak very highly of Todd.

"I like working with people that have a good reputation in the sport.

"I’m keen to build on our relationship throughout the year and can’t wait for Bathurst. Hopefully it’s a successful one for us.”

Fiore previously drove in the championship on a full-time basis between 2009 and 2013.

His BJR drive marks a return to Jones’ ranks, having driven under the team owner as an instructor at the Audi Driver Experience.

Hazelwood at last month's Bathurst season-opener

“Brad was one of the first people I met at the beginning of my motorsport journey,” Fiore said.

"I’ve maintained a great friendship with him ever since.

"I’m looking forward to getting over to the workshop in Albury as soon as I can. I’ve got a strong connection with Albury with my wife growing up there and were we got married.

"My father in law still resides there on the farm and my family and I look forward to going there as much as we can.

"I’ll be in the workshop with Todd and the team as much as I physically can in the lead up to Bathurst. I’m excited.”

Hazelwood added: "I’m really pumped to have Dean Fiore join me and the team at this year’s Bathurst 1000.

Fiore drove to sixth with Pye last October

"Dean has a huge amount of knowledge and experience in the Supercars Championship and I think we’ll make a really strong combination for the great race.

"2021 is my best opportunity yet at the Mountain and I’m really excited to see what we can achieve together.”

The 2021 Repco Bathurst 1000 will be held across October 7-10.

The Repco Supercars Championship field will return to Symmons Plains for the Beaurepaires Tasmania SuperSprint across April 10-11. Tickets are on sale now.

The event will be broadcast live on Foxtel and will be streamed on Kayo.