Kody Garland has announced he will return to the Aussie Racing Cars field, beginning with this weekend’s event on the support card for the Thrifty Newcastle 500.
The Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales supported driver has a wealth of experience in the ARC category, dating back to his first season in 2019. During that rookie season it was Newcastle where Garland claimed his first podium in the category, helping him on his way to the Rookie of the Year honours.
Just one event was run in 2020 and then just three events in 2021 with covid affecting both seasons. Garland contested all four rounds across the affected years and was the series points leader in 2021 when the championship was cancelled after round three.
In 2022 Garland finished 13th in the standings, despite missing two rounds. From the six rounds that Garland did contest he won four races and finished on the round podium three times, including an overall victory at The Bend Motorsport Park. Garland also finished second in the non-championship event on the undercard for the Adelaide 500.
“I’m feeling very confident heading into round one, and I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel,” said Garland.
“Newcastle is a very challenging and risky circuit. It’s got a combination of everything with bumps, undulation, tight corners and that fast downhill section. It’s actually a very good track for the Aussie Racing Cars. When you string the lap together with a fast time it’s extremely rewarding.
“I’ll have to make sure I shake my TCR habits in the first practice session, there’s a couple of small things for me to think about like going back to a gear stick and reverting to blipping the throttle, those sorts of things. I’m not fazed by it though, I’ve driven the Aussie Racing Cars enough times now for it to be pretty much second nature.
“It’s supposed to be a massive field for the category, so I’m looking forward to a pretty wild weekend,” concluded Garland.
The Aussie Racing Cars will be in action from March 10-12 at the Thrifty Newcastle 500.