The winner of the Formula Ford race and Toyota Gazoo Racing 86 Series Zach Bates will make his debut in the Trans Am series this weekend with an open intention, not setting unrealistic goals.
As AUTO ACTION previously reported, Bates will join the Trans Am Series field at Sydney Motorsport Park after proving himself in a Toyota 86 car, dominating his rivals in 2021 with eight wins in a row.
The rising star will drive a Ford Mustang owned by his uncle Nicholas, backed by Sullivans and MBSFM until the end of the season.
Zack is the latest in a long line of Bates riders, joined by Rick’s father, Uncle Neil, a three-time Australian Rally winner, and current Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia factory drivers, cousins Harry and Lewis.
In his first round in the oil car, Zack strives to make the most of the experience and not focus too much on the results.
“I participated in a few test days at Wakefield Park and completed one at Sydney Motorsport Park, so I didn’t do much in that,” Bates said.
“It’s a goal to gain experience, and I honestly don’t know where I’m going to sit in the field, but I hope I don’t go too bad.
“Tim (Brooke) is one of those and he’s pretty fast, although he’s been there for a while, like Nathan (Hearn), so I can’t expect to be compared to these guys on debut, because these guys know all the intricacies and Trans Am outputs.
“It’s good to just get time for a seat because it’s very different from what I’ve done before in Formula Ford and 86.”
The Trans Am series is very far from Formula Ford or Toyota 86 competitions, both in cars and in a racing ship.
Bates is well aware of this before his first start and above all takes dad’s advice.
“There’s so much bodywork and tires. I mean, the tires were probably the main thing I had to do, ”Bates said.
“Trans Am is very different from what I’ve ridden and from everything in Australia.
“He (Rick’s father) always gives me advice, it never ends. He is definitely a great helper for me, and I am very lucky to grow up in a family where I have such a high pedigree, so I can just fight off all their ideas. ”
A total of 27 entries will take part in the first Trans Am event featuring night races at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend.
The full list of participants of the fourth round will be announced tomorrow.
Stan Sport is the venue for live, on-demand and continuous coverage of the event, while a free prime-time broadcast will be conducted at 9GEM on Saturday from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm AEST.
To learn more about the latest motorsport news pick up the current Auto Action release.
https://autoaction.com.au/2022/05/24/bates-managing-expectations-ahead-of-trans-am-debut
