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Purdie locked in for S5000 campaign with 88 Racing
FOLLOWING a successful S5000 debut contesting the Shannons Tasman Series late last year, South Australian teenager Blake Purdie will return to 88 Racing for a full S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship campaign in 2022.
Purdie will be joined by a second car across the season as the Albert Callegher-led 88 Racing squad continues their expansion push, with a drive to bring more new talent to the category this year.
To be backed by iconic South Australian-based drinks company Nippy’s, the 17-year-old from Adelaide comes from a background competing in Australian Formula 3 and Prototype Series racing.
Prior to that his successful karting career included several state titles and success in the high-speed world of 250cc Superkart competition.
Purdie made his S5000 debut at Sydney Motorsport Park last November where he immediately made an impact with his performances.
He qualified seventh and ninth for the two Tasman rounds, respectively, and recorded a best finish of fourth at Mount Panorama.
Purdie will drive the #48 Nippy’s entry this season, which will also field support from ACMFinance.com.
88 Racing’s sister car, the #88 entry, will field a part-time campaign this season as the team builds from a single-car outfit to running a pair of full-time entries.
Blake Purdie – Nippy’s 88 Racing driver – Car #48
“It’s exciting to be locked in for the full season of S5000 racing with 88 Racing, I’m really looking forward to racing with Albert and the team again,” Purdie said.
“We had a really good experience in the Tasman Series and showed that I would be competitive in such a close field, so that gives me a lot of confidence going into the season.
“The cars are awesome to drive and the racing is really competitive so it’s going to be a great challenge.
“It’s exciting to have an iconic South Australian company like Nippy’s on board this year and to carry their famous brand and orange colours on the car.”
Albert Callegher – 88 Racing Team Owner
“We’re pleased to have Blake on board for the full season as we push towards success in the S5000 Australian Drivers’ Championship,” Callegher said.
“Blake showed what he was capable of during his impressive performances during the Tasman Series late last year, so it will be great to build on that momentum heading into the Gold Star season this year.
“Car 88 will be doing selected races and continue introducing new drivers to the category in 2022.
“We have been hampered by the ongoing travel restrictions thanks to the Pandemic, with two lost overseas opportunities an unfortunate outcome of that.
“We were talking to two local drivers who have been unable to procure a reasonable budget in time for the season start – Many business are simply being cautious until confidence is restored in the market place.
“With the positive news by the State Government around the guarantee that the Australian Grand Prix will occur, this statement reinforces we are getting back to business and will help us put the right people in Car 88 this year.”