There's only one race left for drivers to lock into the 2024 Pro Invitational Series as Fuji will host the Qualifying Series finale. Brady Baldwin finds himself on the bubble and in 20th position and we took some time to talk to him ahead of the finale.
R: Three rounds complete and you're right on the bubble in Position 20 right now and 24 points clear of the cutoff. How do you evaluate your performance in the 3 races up to this point?
BB: Definitely better than what I expected! Coming into this series I wasn’t 100% sure where I would stack up as I have only taken the supercar semi-seriously for the last 6 months. I have felt like I have improved each and every round and gained more confidence. Hopefully, we put in one last good performance and make the big dance!
R: You have a reputation as an accomplished dirt driver and are now transitioning to Supercars. How do you feel you're adapting to Road Racing?
BB: It's been a massive learning curve for sure! I often got frustrated when I wasn’t improving despite putting in more and more laps but it's slowly coming more naturally. I am very fortunate to be a part of Synergy Sim Racing and have a great group of guys who have guided me through the last 6 months and hope to repay the faith they have in me by making the Pro Invitational Series.
R: As a part of the Synergy Sim Racing stable which has 4 cars in the Qualifying Series, how has that helped you so far over the opening rounds?
BB: It's been a huge help for sure! All 3 have been super helpful and we have been putting the laps in together. Jordan Ross has been great with some driver coaching when he's not calling me a wobbler haha. It's also very helpful to have a benchmark to chase as well with Jordan and Fawzan being right up the pointy end every race, and many others behind the scenes helping out has been awesome!
R: With only Fuji left to lock yourself into the Top 20 there's a lot of pressure to have a strong result. How do you approach the final race?
BB: I think I approach it like any of the previous races. Get a few nights of practice in and try to get comfortable and the pace should be there. I feel I have been easily good enough for a top 20 every week so hopefully that continues. If we can avoid lap 1 drama unlike at Hockenheim. I back myself to be in a good enough position to lock in, but it's V8 Supercar racing, anything can happen!
R: Lastly, how much would it mean to you to be on the grid at Sebring for Round 1 of the Pro Invitational Series in March?
BB: It would mean the world to me honestly. It is the premier series in Australia hands down, it's the one you want to be a part of. Coming from a completely different discipline which I have had some success in to then make the Pro Invitational Series would be massive. It will also fast-track my progression by racing with the best drivers in these cars over 12 rounds would be great as well!
