De Pasquale sharpens skills with GM academy
Anton De Pasquale returns from intensive US training ahead of this weekend’s Ipswich Super440
Team 18 driver Anton De Pasquale has completed an extensive driver development program with General Motors in the United States ahead of this weekend’s Ipswich Super440.
The DEWALT Racing driver travelled to North Carolina following the Perth Super440 to participate in a GM academy conducted by Wise Optimization.
Led by former NASCAR driver and performance coach Josh Wise, the program examined several areas of De Pasquale’s performance, combining physical fitness testing and training with simulator sessions and driver development exercises.
Wise Optimization works with leading Chevrolet drivers, combining sports science, psychology, fitness and technical training to improve performance.
De Pasquale also toured General Motors’ Charlotte Technical Center in Concord, North Carolina, which supports Chevrolet and Cadillac racing programs around the world, including Formula 1.
The facility develops performance, simulation and strategy tools for GM’s global motorsport operations.
De Pasquale’s US visit also included tours of several NASCAR team workshops before he travelled to Richmond Raceway for the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400.
There he caught up with former Supercars rival and current Trackhouse Racing driver Shane van Gisbergen before watching the 400-lap race from the Trackhouse crew box.
“It has been a really cool trip and a great opportunity to experience the Wise Optimization program and then the NASCAR race in Richmond,” De Pasquale said.
“We’ve worked through fitness training, simulator sessions and several different driving exercises, all focused on helping me become a better driver.”
De Pasquale said the experience provided lessons he could bring back to his Supercars campaign in Australia.
“It’s been a really valuable experience, and I’ve learned plenty that I can take back to Australia.”
De Pasquale heads into the Ipswich Super440 sixth in the championship standings after recording four podium finishes across the past three events.
Three races will be held at Queensland Raceway this weekend as the Supercars Championship contests the final round of the Sprint Cup.
