After a short but successful campaign last season with Glenn Seton at the wheel of the Speed FX Racing XB Coupe, Speed FX Racing with Jim Morton at the helm will return for Queensland Raceway in August with a different car and debuting driver.
Unlike their last foray into the series with a highly technical race package and possibly the most experienced driver available, this time, Speed FX Racing will take the progress and development direction. In a surprising move for team owner Morton, it signals a move from Ford to Holden, running the ex-Tony Hunter 1971 Holden HQ Monaro, made famous when Jason Richards raced with the series at Bathurst, and now having taken Hunter to two podiums and a round win so far this year. For Morton, it’s a return to the red side with his first race car having been an FJ Holden.
Another change sees the experienced eye of Morton having selected a Queensland local, Michael Wedge, to take to the driver’s seat at the commencement of the race program. A Touring Car Masters rookie, Wedge hails from the Sunshine Coast where the Monaro entry is to be prepared, with experience including his current efforts in the Queensland V8 Series where he sits fourth in the championship after three of five rounds.
“I got to know Michael through the XB programme as the car lived in his workshop. After the XB was put on the market, I went to some Queensland V8 Series events with him and was impressed by his driving, commitment and enthusiasm for motor sport.”, explained Morton.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for me to give a young guy a go, and having become good mates, sharing the journey in TCM will be good fun. Most of my years in the sport as a team owner have revolved around helping people realise their dreams and this is as good time as any to start that process again.
“Some of our long term team members will be on hand to help, along with some guidance from legend and ex-Speed FX Racing steerer, Glenn Seton. Initially this will be a low key entry project, but knowing the car has the Bathurst lap record with Jason (Richards), we know it’s a great machine that has been well engineered. Over time, we will add our personal team touches to give Michael an even more competitive package.”
Given the regulations and challenges of the Touring Car Masters, it’s never easy to build a consistent winner, but with Morton, Speed FX Racing and Wedge, the partnership shows great promise as Wedge explained,
“Jim (Morton) is highly professional and doesn’t do things by halves. I’ve been racing in the Queensland V8’s and am now looking forward to developing alongside Jim with a fresh and exciting opportunity in the Touring Car Masters.
“It was a positive surprise to be asked to be involved, especially with someone who’s switched on, wants to help, has a great support team, and has an already proven great car.”
The Touring Car Masters is proudly supported by Shannons Insurance, Rare Spares, Unique Cars Magazine and the 2012 Australian Muscle Car Masters, with official suppliers Hoosier Tires and Australian Sports Marketing.
