Privateer racer realises dream with first podium

Zane Morse was delighted to prove privateers can get the job done after a breakthrough Dunlop Series podium in Townsville.

Morse secured his best race and round results at last weekend’s NTI Townsville 500.

The Canberra-born, Wamboin-based privateer racer came home third in Race 2 behind points leader Zak Best and Kai Allen.

Few drivers had a bigger grin in the Townsville than Morse, who after 15 round starts and 26 races, finally struck gold in Super2.

“I’m as happy as I could be,” an elated Morse said after Sunday’s race.

“I’ve wanted to be up here for a few years now.

“I’ve been quick all weekend, so I’m really happy that we kept the consistency up.

“I was hoping I could catch up to the other boys at the end there, and make it a three-way battle.”

Armed with a former Cam Waters race-winning Mustang, Morse flew out of the blocks with AIM Motorsport.

Morse opened the season with a career-best finish of fourth in Newcastle, and finished seventh and eighth in Perth.

He crossed the line fifth in Saturday’s race, which was won by teenager Allen.

The 24-year-old trailed Allen and Best as they disputed the win, with Best making a pass at Turn 2 as the pink #11 Mustang closed in.

When asked if he thought a shock win was on as Best and Allen battled, Morse replied: “Absolutely.

“I saw them pushing each other quite hard, locking some fronts and I thought, ‘Let’s do this’.

Father and son celebrate the result

“I was pushing on, catching and catching, an unfortunately I made a few mistakes which cost me.”

Morse first raced in Super2 in 2020, and is a multiple state and national karting champion. He has also raced in Toyota 86 and Legend Cars Australia, winning the title in the latter.

The podium delivered a result both Morse and father Andre had been craving, given years of toil in older machinery.

“We’re absolutely happy,” he said.

“We’re so glad we had a clean race, and a clean weekend.

“Especially as a privateer team, to show that even us lower guys can get up there and show our skills.

“I’d like to move up the leaderboard… I’d like to be on the podium more consistently, especially that first place.”

Morse is eighth in the standings, 189 points behind Best, heading to the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 on September 15-17.