TekworkX Motorsport this year expands to two cars in Porsche Sprint Challenge with newcomer to racing Nathan Sticklen joining team owner Rob Woods, in Class B and Pro-Am respectively.
Woods has previously competed in Sprint Challenge each year from 2017, excluding 2020 when the season was cancelled. 2021 was the first year doing so with TekworkX, where Woods contested the Sydney Motorsport Park round recording finishes of 16th and 15th either side of a DNF.
Sticklen will line up for his first ever race on Saturday, after completing an extensive testing programme with the Queensland based team. Sticklen will race aboard the #34 Stratton Bar & Kitchen Porsche, adorned in an iconic blue and orange livery.
“I’m nervous for sure, and a bit anxious,” said Sticklen.
“However as Rob said to me, I’ve got an opportunity to do something everyone wants to do but very few get the chance, so go and enjoy myself.
“I’ve done a lot of work with Luke (Youlden) and the whole team, they’ve really helped me pick up a bit of speed and ability over the last few months. I went to Sydney Motorsport Park for the first time just last week. It’s a tricky track in the day so I can’t imagine what it will be like for our night-time qualifying!
“If I can just go out and have fun, get a few results, I’ll be happy.”
The #29 to be driven by Woods will epitomise the family nature of TekworkX Motorsport with sponsorship from his family companies. Topline Civil – run by Rachelle Woods and partner Scott – plus Lulu Lashes and Beauty – run by Zoe Woods.
“For me, I really haven’t focused on racing lately,” said Woods.
“All the focus has been on running the team and making sure everything is going smoothly in our Toyota 86 and Carrera Cup entries. We are excited to have Nathan coming on for his first ever season so we’ve been making sure he is all settled as well.
“I’ve done a lot of laps at Sydney Motorsport Park, I used to live down there, so it was a home track for a while. I’m under no illusions though that the lack of driving I have done in the last few months may hamper me a bit, but with the likes of our Carrera Cup drivers Luke & Max (Vidau) on hand driver coaching, they will do their best to get both Nathan and I up to speed.
“I’m just looking to go out there and enjoy being on the other side of the fence for a change. Luke will take charge of the team this weekend, we could not ask for someone better than that with all his experience.”