Ngatoa relishing being back in the S5000 saddle

Kaleb Ngatoa returns to the big single seaters of the S5000 Championship in Australia this weekend, and is eager to put a challenging season behind him and make the most of a track that should suit his style.

The Kiwi returns with Team BRM for the final weekend of the series at the Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin, this coming weekend.

Ngatoa has endured a frustrating season – not only learning several new tracks and a new tyre used in the S5000 Championship, but also constantly chasing the funds to ensure he can compete from round to round.

Having missed the last round, the Marton racer is under no illusion that his debut weekend in Darwin is going to be a challenge, but he’s missed the car and the team and is eager to be out there racing.

“We only have a small team back in New Zealand working on fundraising for me to compete and I’ve done most of that during my career myself, so it’s been hard work just to ensure we can make the entry list at Hidden Valley,” he explained.

“Having said that I’m just itching to get back behind the wheel and go racing. And I’m looking forward to getting on the Hidden Valley track too. It’s got plenty of fast sweeping bends and that will definitely suit my style so for sure I’m aiming for some good results this weekend.”

Despite missing a round, Ngatoa is still eighth in the points standings and mathematically has a shot at finishing in the top five overall if he can put together some good results this weekend.

“While there is still a chance of finishing high up in the points, or winning a race or getting a podium, for sure I’m going to be totally focussed on those things. I love these cars and whilst it has been a challenge learning the new tracks in what is the fastest racing car in Australian motorsport, it’s been super valuable and I’m determined to make these last two rounds the strongest of my season.”

Kaleb will have two practice sessions this coming Friday to get his eye in and blow out the cobwebs before Saturday morning’s 20 minute qualifying session. Race 1 takes place on Saturday afternoon and Race 2 and Race 3 on Sunday.