NICK Percat has endured his share of frustrations so far this season, but when it comes to talking about the Brad Jones Racing team, he sounds much more content driver.
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After two seasons driving for Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport, Percat switched to BJR for Supercars season 2017.
He arrived with big expectations and things looked good when he placed seventh in the opening race of the year at Clipsal.
Since then Percat has had mixed results – crashes hampering some of his races while he has also picked up a handful of top 10s, including a third at Darwin.
Yet through it all he has enjoyed the team environment.
“We finished seventh at Clipsal, so I wouldn’t say it’s taken any time to adjust, there’s just been things outside of our control - brake failures and stuff which has got nothing to do with what we’re doing,” Percat said.
“It’s been a bit annoying, but I enjoy driving for Brad, there’s a really good group of guys and girls here.
“It’s easy to go racing with them, they always give you a fast car and a competitive car, and they are all real passionate about racing and want the best for the whole team as well.”
For the Supercars’ three endurance rounds Percat has had been given an additional link to BJR with the son of his team boss – Macauley Jones – his co-driver.
The pair were hampered by a mechanical issue at last month’s Sandown 500, with bad vibrations in the front left of the Commodore leading to extended time in the pits.
However, Percat is confident of a better showing at Bathurst.
“Endurance season is where I think the passion of BJR really comes out,” he said.
“I will have Macauley alongside me which is pretty cool and I think Brad will be pretty excited for Bathurst because Macauley is in it in a car that’s expected to be near the front.
“It’s good for him to experience that as well, for me he was a pretty easy pick. He has been super fast in the Super2 and obviously he’s driving our cars all the time and is an easy fit - beside the actual size difference.
“I’m used to having my knees up around my ears, so it’s alright.”
The other BJR factor which Percat has enjoyed is having Tim Slade as his team-mate. The pair have pushed each other to find their best.
“It’s good to have a good team-mate in Sladey, all the information gets bounced around pretty quick trying to make the cars faster. It's working really well,” he said.
“I think this year when I rocked up I hadn't had anyone push me that hard that last year really.”