If you want to catch, Brendon Leitch, these days then don’t think Invercargill – Highlands or Teretonga or his father Barry’s workshop. Think more Sepang, Fuji or Suzuka.
I caught up with the flying Kiwi at Christchurch Airport as he waited to board another flight to Japan for a double-header weekend at Suzuka, Japan. He will be involved in racing both Asian F3 and Super Trofeo Lamborghini Asia series.
“I’m currently doing a lot more travelling than I would of thought of 5 months ago. This weekend is double duties for me with Round 3 of the FIA Formula 3 Asian championship and Round 2 of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia championship.
“I started the Asian F3 championship in April after this year’s TRS (Toyota Racing) series and then a few weeks ago I got signed by Lamborghini for their junior driver programme. I’m full of confidence and really hoping that takes off.”
Brendon headed off for the Asian F3 championship after another solid run in this year’s Toyota Racing Series where he was sixth overall in one of the strongest fields to date. Brendon though, was well aware that at age 23 and with six consecutive runs at TRS it was time to move on and 2019 is make or break for his racing career.
Well perhaps now that international break is finally here.
After testing for BlackArts Racing in the Asian F3 against the likes of Dan Tictkum and Rinus Veekay – Brendon got the drive and currently sits fourth in the title chase after two rounds with one podium and a fastest lap last time out.
“I learned a lot in the first two rounds and we made some big inroads in the last round with a fastest lap and we are now challenging Hitech (team) so the team is now full of confidence heading to Japan.”
This weekend, as well as the regulars like Jack Doohan and Ukyo Sasahara, who leads the championship, Brendon will be joined by former TRS rivals Jackson Walls of Australia and Petr Petercek of the Czech Republic so it will be far from an easy round.
If that wasn’t exciting enough for the young racer from Invercargill, who began his career one summer day at Teretonga. His older brother Damon wasn’t able to race so Brendon jumped in to help out the family cause and he’s never looked back since. Now he’s on the verge of a potential factory drive if all goes well with Lamborghini.
“I’m very fortunate that they have sort of taken a leap of faith with me and put me on their programme. It’s a big step for me, though I don’t feel under pressure as they are really an awesome team of people and I’ll do the best I can. At the end of the year, they will make a decision and hopefully, it could lead to a factory drive next year in GTs. Obviously there are a few other drivers I’m up against so we will see how I go both on and off track.”
Another huge plus for Brendon is that he’s been paired up with fellow Kiwi Chris Van der Drift whose experience and guidance could prove invaluable.
“I’ll see if can hang on to Chris this weekend. He’s been giving me some good advice here and there, so hopefully I can challenge him this weekend at least that’s my goal.
“ I wasn’t that comfortable in the car the first weekend and now I’ve had a little time to reflect on it I’ve had a few light-bulb moments. I’m feeling more comfortable about Suzuka this weekend.
“Five months ago I had no idea I would be here.
“Two years ago I was driving Huracan’s around Highlands doing hot laps and here I am now I’m on slicks and with a roll cage doing 280 km an hour in Asia in the real deal.
“I really not fussy. The ultimate goal for me is to become a full-time professional race car driver. Lamborghini are very genuine and very loyal and so am I so it’s a good relationship and we are very like-minded.
“So there’s a lot of things going on for me now and a big change for me after being in lil old New Zealand ticking away over here and then to take a big step like this is awesome. A GT drive would be incredible, but I’m really not too fussy as long as it’s got four black tyres and an engine then you’ll see me in it.”
And so it goes and whether its Amon, Hulme, Bamber or Hartley, the Kiwi attitude is always the same – ‘Just give me a chance and I’ll give it ago.”
So good luck to the next Kiwi, Brendon Leitch, out to make his mark alongside all the others before him.
He’ll be racing the Lamborghini at Suzuka this weekend and then Fuji in July. F3 Asia will head to Shanghai after Suzuka for the final two rounds so Leitch will be a busy man for the rest of the 2019 winter.
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