Duvashen Padayachee and his father Indiran will make Carrera Cup history next weekend as the duo become the first ever father-son entry to compete in any Carrera Cup event worldwide.
The professional Carrera Cup racer was required to select a Challenge class co-driver for the upcoming Pro-Am and decided his father, Indiran, was the perfect pick for the two-driver event.
With co-driver races rare in Porsche one-make championships, Duvashen is excited to be part of the first father-son driver entry in Carrera Cup history.
“It’s certainly pretty special to be able to race with Dad in the Pro-Am. We’ve competed together on a few occasions but never before in Carrera Cup, which rarely offers the opportunity. To know that we are the first father-son combo to achieve this is pretty special,” said Duvashen.
“I’m used to seeing Dad in the garage at Porsche rounds so I can’t wait to see him strap on the helmet and be part of the action. He’s done some Porsche racing in the past and I look forward to helping him adapt to the new car and hopefully achieve two decent race results.”
Indiran Padayachee will be one of five drivers making their Carrera Cup Australia debut at Phillip Island. Other Carrera Cup first-timers include Marc Cini’s co-driver – German GT star Christopher Mies, Scott Taylor’s professional partner Dean Canto, Fraser Ross’s co-driver David Ryan and Dylan Thomas, who will team with recent series pacesetter Nick Foster.
Several TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge drivers will also return to the championship. Former full-time racers James Koundouris and Ray Angus return for the one-off event, co-driving with David Russell and Simon Hodge, respectively, while Neale Muston will team with Albert Park race winner Nick McBride after he partnered Padayachee at last year’s Pro-Am. Sam Walter will also return to the scene of his one-off Carrera Cup appearance in 2008 when joining reigning Australian GT Champion Richard Muscat.
The Russell/Koundouris pairing will be among the contenders, with the Canberra businessman and 2008 TAG Heuer Carrera Challenge champion keen for a strong result in his Carrera Cup return.
“I can’t wait for the Pro-Am. I competed in the first co-driver event at Sydney Motorsport Park as a full-time driver with Steve Owen and at last year’s Pro-Am as Sam Power’s co-driver. It’s always a great event and I’m pleased to be part of it with Dave next weekend,” said Koundouris.
“Dave is obviously very talented and I’ll do all I can to help improve his standing in the championship. Anything can happen at the Pro-Am round so we’ll aim to stay out of trouble and hopefully be towards the front by the end of the weekend.”
