KEY POINTS:
New Zealand driver Paul Radisich will drive the Team Kiwi Racing Ford in this weekend's second round of the Australian V8 Supercar Championship in Perth.
Radisich pulled out of the first round in Adelaide this month after deciding he had not sufficiently recovered from injuries suffered in a crash at Bathurst last October.
Radisich matched young Australian Adam Macrow over 25 laps in a TKR test at Queensland Raceway yesterday and was given the nod to take the wheel in Perth ahead of Macrow.
Macrow had been impressive in Adelaide, setting the second fastest Ford time at the Clipsal 500 event.
"We always wanted Paul back in the car as soon as possible and always wanted a Kiwi to drive but in saying that, the TKR drive is not ... to be taken for granted," TKR owner David John said.
"A Kiwi driver who has the opportunity to drive a package as good as this has to be able to match it with the best international drivers out there or we are all wasting our time in this championship," he added.
Radisich said he was pleased with the workout and was confident he could perform well in Perth this weekend.
"To be fair I probably surprised myself today. I was able to lift myself to Adam's level and he did such a great job in the car in Adelaide," Radisich said.
"I am almost back to full fitness and itching to be back racing this weekend."
John said a key reason to go with Radisich was the next round of the championship in Pukekohe next month.
"We want to do well in front of our home fans, especially with the last time for V8 Supercars at Pukekohe.
"Paul will need the Perth round for race fitness and by the time we hit Pukekohe we will be 100 per cent ready to be a very competitive unit."
Qualifying and the first 120km race is on Saturday with two 120km races on Sunday.
- NZPA
