Two-time Trico Trans Am Series Champion Nathan Herne has once again made the trip to American shores, this time for a diverse racing program including his second appearance of the season in the American TA2 Series.
This weekend the TA2 Series holds the penultimate round of the season at Virginia International Raceway where Herne will once again line up for F.A.S.T. Auto Racing. The venture will carry backing from premier Michigan short track Owosso Speedway, who also supported Herne at Mid-Ohio.
Herne made a spectacular return to the U.S.A. racing scene in June, with his highly anticipated TA2 comeback netting an impressive front row start at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. After looking right at home across the opening half of the race, Herne’s hopes of completing a dream comeback were wiped out after he was turned from the race lead.
“It’s been a great year so far, it started out with a bit of uncertainty although slowly but surely pieces are falling together once again and I’m excited to be returning to the American TA2 Series with F.A.S.T Auto and Howe Racing once again,” said Herne.
“This weekend will be a bit of a different format and I’ll be quite busy on the tools by the sounds of things, similar to how things have been this season in Australia with running my own car, which I am really looking forward to. I’ve learnt so much this season and reignited a spark in myself that I really didn’t know I lost, just enjoying the process once again of going racing and developing further as a driver and engineer, if I can use that word.”
In 2023 VIR delivered one of Herne’s best results of his rookie American campaign. After qualifying sixth, the now 22-year-old expertly crafted his way up to third place by the chequered flag to record what was one of three podium finishes for the season.
“VIR is the test track for the Charlotte-based NASCAR teams, so we weren’t expecting it to be one of our strongest tracks. The high-speed high-risk style of the track is something that suits me though, I always feel comfortable in a Howe car which definitely helps at a place like this as well.”
“This was a bit of a surprise addition to the trip, as I initially came over to just do some testing in the TA2 and test some Shocks for a Dirt Late Model, but I’ve ended up staying for an extra two weeks to race some peculiar cars to say the least! After how strong Mid-Ohio was for us it was definitely something we were looking at, in terms of ways to be able to get on the grid.”
The TA2 return isn’t all that Herne has been up to while overseas, with the Lismore local recently taking to Owosso Speedway for some wild racing in both a School Bus and a Stacker Car.
It provided an opportunity for Herne to give back to the organisation that has supported his TA2 appearances in 2024, while also delving into the deeply ingrained short track culture within American Motorsport.
“Owosso Speedway will be onboard once again and I thank Rex and the team for doing so. It was a great time last weekend to race in the stacker and bus demolition race at the speedway, hopefully a bit of a far cry from what this weekend will look like. “The first win is the goal for sure, it’s something that’s evaded me for a long time, longer than I wanted it too at least. I try not to single out any drivers but there’s some serious competition for this one, so for sure a good weekend at Virginia will probably stand out more than normal.
“I’m hoping we can build on our previous momentum and get the third time’s a charm win,” concluded Herne.