ZR2 set for desert race
Chevrolet Racing, the motorsport arm of General Motors Australia and New Zealand, is partnering with GMSV to take on this year’s Tatts Finke Desert Race.
The new Silverado ZR2 off-road racer will be driven by three-time Supercars champion, Craig Lowndes.
Partnering him will be navigator Dale Moscatt, who is highly experienced in off-roading thanks to multiple visits to Dakar and other signature events.
“This is our first foray into off-road racing and builds on other motorsport categories we compete in, including Supercars and drag racing,” says Chris Payne, general manager of Chevrolet Racing Australia and NZ.
“It’s a natural fit for a vehicle such as the ZR2, which is already an accomplished all-terrain performer in its own right.”
The concept was built at the company’s Port Melbourne workshop by an enthusiastic group of GM employee volunteers before being taken to the next level with the involvement of Chevrolet Racing and competition partner Rampex, which will support the desert race effort.
Preparations have included the exchange of learnings with GM’s motorsports division in the US and tapping into the knowledge of Hall Racing, especially related to suspension development.
From small beginnings, the project has grown into a fully fledged team which has come together to take on the Tatts Finke Desert Race.
Payne says: “Extensive testing has proven this off-road racer is no slouch. At the same time, we’re under no illusions this race is one of the toughest in the world, and is going to be a real challenge for team and machine.”
Lowndes adds: “I’m thrilled to be taking the Silverado to Finke. It’s been a while since I won the Australian Safari, which was way back in 2010. This is going to be a great test.
“I drive a Silverado ZR2 and regularly put it through its paces off-road on weekends, as well as towing our caravan to the Bathurst 1000. It covers impressive distances and handles Australian conditions. Now we’re out to prove its off-road capability.”
The Tatts Finke Desert Race runs from June 7-10 with teams racing from Alice Springs to the settlement of Aputula (Finke) and back.
