TRANS Am ace Nathan Herne will add another chapter to his international racing resume next weekend.
The Lismore product will make a one-off appearance in Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe across May 9-11 at Belgium’s famed Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Herne’s opportunity will come in a V10 Lamborghini Huracan LP 620-2 fielded by 2023 title-winning team Leipert Motorsport.
“I got the call-up on Monday night from Marcel Leipert, and now I’ve got to get the Trans Am car ready in less than a week so we can head over to Europe,” he said, referring to a rebuild of his Dodge Challenger in time for Round 4 of Australian Trans Am at The Bend.
“It’s going to be a big learning experience for me, my first time racing in Europe and the first time I’ve even sat in one of the Super Trofeo cars as well.
“Fortunately, I know the track like the back of my hand from all the laps of that place in various games growing up.
“My simulator actually blew up the other day, which is a bit of a shame, but I feel confident about taking on such an iconic place.”
Herne returned to Australia this year after a full season abroad racing in American Trans Am.
“Towards the end of last year I started looking at further opportunities around the world, to try and diversify my racing career,” said the 21-year-old, who’ll share the Leipert Lamborghini at Spa with Tim Stender.
“After seeing a few of my mates in the IMSA Series heading to Europe for some extra GT racing, Marcel was one of those people I spoke to.
“I’m really grateful to get the call-up from him now and to have the opportunity to drive a GT car around Spa.
“Sharing the car is going to be something different, I’ve only done it once before, but this will be the first go in a proper endurance-style event.
“The plan is to get in on the Wednesday, do my seat fit and learn how it all works so we can hit the ground running on the weekend.
“I have full confidence in the team, they’re a multiple championship winning operation in the category and they compete all over Europe in various categories.
“It’ll be straight back into the Trans Am afterwards with a test day lined up the following week, so not much opportunity to soak in Europe but hopefully it’s the start of more to come. I can’t wait to head over there.”
