LG Motorsport selects Upper Hutt teenager, Gaskin, to run LG-ZM Suzuki

Jamie Gaskin, from Upper Hutt, is the newest member of the LG Motorsport team, having won the opportunity to race the LG-ZM Suzuki Swift in the hotly-contested Suzuki Swift Sports Cup.

Due to make his Suzuki series race debut in Pukekohe on 6 November, the 15-year-old Hutt International Boys School Year 11 student was selected by the team based on his numerous successes in race karts as well as a solid season and a half in the 1200cc Formula First single seater class.

Gaskin joins the five-strong LG Motorsport team, which features fellow saloon car drivers Angus Fogg in the LG-ZB Ford, one of the most popular and experienced drivers in the NZV8 series, and William Bamber who becomes the youngest-ever NZV8 competitor this season after driving the LG-ZM Suzuki to his inaugural championship title last season. The LG Motorsport team also features top alcohol funny car driver Morice McMillin, from Hamilton, and Suzuki superbike rider Craig Shirriffs, from Feilding.

This is the first time Gaskin has raced a saloon car on a sealed circuit, but he’s already had the opportunity to try out the nippy 1600cc Suzuki Swift during an official test day as well as two additional test days at Pukekohe.

“It’s been great and I feel more and more confident every time I drive the LG-ZM Suzuki,” says Gaskin, who contests race meetings in Pukekohe, Christchurch, Timaru, Invercargill, Taupo and Feilding between November and March. Each round of the Suzuki Swift Sports Cup comprises two test sessions, a qualifying session and three races.

An important aspect of the LG Motorsport philosophy is fostering new talent to the sport.

Kane Silcock, marketing manager for LG Electronics (NZ) Ltd, says: “Both Jamie and William are mentored by Angus, with the teenagers benefiting from his extensive touring car and small car racing experience – Angus is one of the best Mini racers in the country and has twice been runner-up in the NZV8 touring car championship.”

Gaskin says he’s already enjoying being part of the LG Motorsport team.

“I have two great team-mates who I’m looking forward to working with this season which runs through until March next year. Basically I want to be at the pointy end of the field, so I’m looking forward to learning from Angus, who knows all the circuits and race craft so well, and from William, who has already had two very competitive seasons in the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup.

“Already Angus has offered a great deal of support and given me a lot of confidence, not just on the track, but also during activities like our pre-season photo shoot. William has also spent a lot of time with me both off and on the track, and I feel I’ve been working in really with both guys and the team, so the next step is the first round of the championship at Pukekohe on 6 and 7 November, which is going to be great!”

Other aspects of being a professional motorsport competitor, such as media interviews, are new elements for Gaskin to master. “Being interviewed after races is something I have little experience with, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Gaskin has also raced speedway event, becoming rookie of the year in a mini stockcar and currently competing in a mini sprint car. Presently he is working on his first year of NCEA qualifications while also preparing for his first race meeting in the LG-ZM Suzuki.

He says the combination of school and racing commitments has been a challenge, “...but I’ve managed to stay on top of it and fortunately been able to get the necessary NCEA credits to take the pressure off a little as I head into the summer racing season. My school has been really helpful in terms of assisting me to catch up on any work I might have missed while away racing and making sure I don’t fall behind.”

LG Motorsport partners with LG Electronics, The Radio Network (Newstalk ZB, ZM and Radio Hauraki), Suzuki NZ, Q-West Boats, Pit Stop, Arnott’s Shapes, LG Mobile, NZV8 Magazine, iSignit, Jones Haulage, TradeZone Pukekohe and Punch Advertising.”

Silcock adds: “Our partner companies all play an important role in helping our team participate at the highest level. This season we’ll also have a new team of LG Motorsport promotional models to add a fresh dimension to the nuts and bolts of top level racing.

“The drivers and riders, our crews and our girls all add to the LG Motorsport community which engages with race fans of all ages across a wide spectrum of New Zealand motorsport. We’re excited about the upcoming season and look forward to seeing our team do well in their respective championships. See you out there!”