History-maker Paterson set for Aussie Racing Cars return

After missing the season finale in Adelaide last year, Paterson is set to make his return to Aussie Racing Cars this weekend. The Queenslander shifted to full-time GT4 competition this season, but the chance to race at his home track with his old team was too good to pass up.

The decision came after car owner Kent Quinn opted to keep the young gun on board for the rest of the year. Paterson had contested the 2025 season opener, and now he is ready to get back behind the wheel at Queensland Raceway for Round 4 this weekend.

Last season was a standout year in Paterson's short racing career. He secured the only overall round win by a rookie in series history at Sandown, finishing fourth in the championship. That success raises expectations for his comeback, especially since he also won his class in GT4 Australia at the same circuit in June, alongside co-driver Scott Green.

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Paterson is excited to get back into a car he calls one of the most enjoyable to drive. "They're one of the best cars to drive, heaps of fun, nice and nimble, and with the new low aero package, they slide around a heap more," he told Speedcafe. He also predicts close racing at his home track, with the long straights amplifying the slipstream effect of the pint-sized cars.

"The drafting and towing up onto the back of other people is going to be really cool at Queensland Raceway. I don't think you want to be the guy leading into turn three on the last lap, because I don't think you'll be the guy that crosses the chequered flag first, it always makes for good racing," he added.

However, there is one concern: the engine. Paterson will use the XJR engine, while most of the field runs the MT-09. The series recently launched a discounted engine program to encourage teams to switch to the newer, lighter, and more durable MT-09. "I know personally in that field I can most definitely win, I think the real killer this weekend could be and will be the motor as we're running an XJR and not the MT-09," he explained.

Whether this appearance is just a one-off remains uncertain. "We're not sure if it's just a one-off at the moment, we're going to see how this weekend goes. We could be back towards the end of the year and maybe next year, but we'll just see what happens," said Paterson. "We'll see how Norganic Proteins feels about the weekend and then we can go from there."