South East driver Brad Gartner will be revving up local crowds at the VAILO Adelaide 500 this weekend, in his first ever race in the international S5000 Tasman Series. 

VAILO, an Australian advanced lighting technology company based in Adelaide, and Vircura, a plant-based technology company, are sponsoring the 19-year-old young gun as he takes on a crack field for the first time. 

Hailing from a farm near Penola, the rookie started racing at the Lucindale Dirt Kart Club before progressing to circuit racing via the popular Circuit Excel series, where he became a frontrunner in the competitive South Australian championship. His team is likely to finish third in the series. 

Gartner has also been racing for a cause this year, supporting two close family friends who have passed away after suffering from Motor Neurone Disease. 

“This season has been incredible for me, including my maiden victory at Tailem Bend in September,” Gartner said.  

“I can’t believe I’m going to race on the famed East End street circuit at the VAILO Adelaide 500. I’ve watched this event since I was a kid and it will be an honour to take part.” 

VAILO and Vircura founder and Chief Executive Aaron Hickmann said motorsport was more than just Formula One and Grand Prix, it was also about those taking to the streets in different classes of cars and supporting grassroots racing. 

“Brad is a prodigy and has a very bright future in motorsport, we can’t wait to see him race this weekend,” Mr Hickmann said. 

“Like VAILO and Vircura he’s South Australian, and while others have invested in our business, we’re giving back and investing in the motorsport industry, by sponsoring an up-and-coming driver with incredible potential.” 

Gartner will race his S5000 car in heats today and in races from Friday to Sunday.  

About VAILO 
VAILO is an Australian advanced technology company with its core in ultra-high-powered LED lighting. VAILO is committed to accelerating disruptive and sustainable technologies and has transitioned from importer to manufacturer, exporting Australian designed and made LED lighting product with their flagship stadium light, the Zenith Gen-V.  

About Vircura
Vircura is a South Australian emerging plant-based technology company established to cultivate and manufacture medicinal cannabis and industrial hemp products to improve health, wellbeing and sustainability.