International GT ace reacts to Supercar laps

Wednesday’s Destination NSW Sydney Test Day featured a cameo appearance by Kiwi GT ace Brendon Leitch, who got behind the wheel of a Camaro Supercar.

The day’s running wholly belonged to local primary drivers, co-drivers and co-driving prospects, but also featured Leitch’s first laps in a Supercar.

The 29-year-old New Zealander, who hails from Invercargill, won the 2023 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe title, and was a multiple winner in New Zealand Formula Ford and Toyota Racing Series.

In the last 12 months alone, Leitch has won in GT World Challenge Australia, Lamborghini World Finals, and claimed a Bathurst 12 Hour class victory.

In recent years, Leitch has tackled races from Europe to the United States, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, notably the 24 Hours of Spa, IMSA Battle of the Bricks, and Dubai 24 Hour.

Leitch drove Matt Stone Racing’s wildcard Chevrolet, which will be raced by Cameron Crick at this weekend’s Thrifty Sydney 500 - Opening Round.

Crick is also locked in for the Enduro Cup races at The Bend and Bathurst, with Leitch — who holds an FIA Gold rating — now a favourite to secure his Supercars debut.

Teams have looked to GT stars in recent years for Supercars; Jaxon Evans is contracted to Porsche, and currently races for Brad Jones Racing, while Penrite Racing has called up the likes of Matt Campbell and Kevin Estre.

MSR has already made one co-driver change, with Tim Slade locked in alongside Nick Percat. Crick’s wildcard means Cameron Hill will also have a new co-driver, likely in the form of Cameron McLeod.

Super2 driver McLeod cut laps in Hill’s car on Wednesday, with the rising star also set to commence his second Super2 season this weekend.

“It was really fun to drive the MSR Camaro today,” Leitch said.

"Definitely a new experience for me coming from GT3, a little bit less downforce, grip, and power, so a new dynamic to get used to.

"The car was really good, I think we ended up in a nice spot to end the day and I got to have a try of the new compound of tyre as well.

"All-in-all it was pretty positive, and a massive thanks to the guys at Matt Stone Racing for giving me the opportunity to come and have a drive.”

McLeod added: “It was great; limited laps but it was some laps which will help me in Super2 on Friday and the weekend, especially Friday rocking into Practice 1.

"Just getting some laps under the belt is good; the team worked flat out, so kudos to them, and just happy to be here really.

“It’s a great community MSR has got here. Obviously I’m not ragging the car as much as Cam Hill was, but from what I could tell when I drove it, it was pretty sound.

"The team did a pretty bang on job and hopefully Car #4 can get some good results this weekend.”