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Series leader lauds Honda privateer’s breakout season
Current Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series leader Tony D’Alberto has praised fellow Honda driver Zac Soutar in what continues to be a breakout season for the young privateer.
Finishing a season high sixth at the Bathurst finale last year, Soutar’s 2022 campaign has been a revelation as he’s placed fourth in the standings with two rounds remaining of the Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series.
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Not only has Soutar enjoyed a successful season personally, including scoring his maiden victory at AWC Race Tasmania, but highlighted at Queensland Raceway his ability to back up D’Alberto in his title fight.
With previous Wall Racing teammate Fabian Coulthard not competing at Queensland Raceway, D’Alberto relied on Soutar to fill this role and did he deliver.
As D’Alberto secured two victories up north, Soutar finished right behind in each to ensure the series leader left Queensland Raceway with an extended 58-point margin approaching the final two rounds at Sandown and the inaugural Supercheap Auto Bathurst International.
D’Alberto detailed the working relationship, which has developed between himself and Soutar.
“Zac’s certainly been fast and we share quite a bit of information as a Honda group with him,” said D’Alberto.
“He’s been part of the Wall Racing crew all year and I think that’s helped him.”
The learning hasn’t been one way either as Soutar’s feedback has provided a new perspective for D’Alberto.
“I’ve been able to see what he’s been doing behind the wheel and he’s certainly brave,” revealed D’Alberto.
“He’s also very comfortable with the thing moving around a lot, especially from his Formula Ford days and they’re doing a great job.”
Sandown bodes well for the pair given Honda’s previous history at the venue when WTCR ace Nestor Girolami scored the first ever clean-sweep in Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series history back in 2019 driving a third Wall Racing Civic Type R TCR.
The Supercheap Auto TCR Australia Series continues as part of the SpeedSeries at Sandown on September 16-18.