FORMER Supercars driver Melinda Price will compete in Radical Cup Australia after joining an expanded Volante Rosso Motorsport program.
Price made five Bathurst 1000 starts between 1994 and 2000 for a best result of 11th alongside Kerryn Brewer in a Castrol Cougars VS Commodore in ‘98.
She also has 15 solo championship race starts to her name, as well as having contested the Nürburgring 24 Hours and Bathurst 24 Hour.
The now 52-year-old has raced in the Queensland Excel Series in more recent times.
Price’s Radical call-up will come as co-driver to Greg Kenny in one of three Volante Rosso entries.
“I’m excited to be back on the national scene with Volante Rosso Motorsport and the Radical program,” she said.
“I adapted to the car fairly quickly in the test day that I’ve done.
“Going flat into Turn 1 at Sydney Motorsport Park was a different experience! It took me a few attempts to get that but felt right at home.
“Getting used to having so much aerodynamic grip was a feeling I haven’t had in a while, but I was soon pretty comfortable and the Radicals are a great chance to build confidence with a car that relies on aero.
“It has been a while since I’ve raced a national level category, but have been keeping my eye in over recent times with the Excel series in Queensland and karting.
“I definitely haven’t lost any competitive desire and am aiming to be right there from the first round later this month.”
Co-team principal Chris Papadopoulos added of Price: “She has a big history in motorsport and we’re thrilled that at Volante Rosso Motorsport we get to be a part of her journey back into competitive racing after her health battle.
“The Radical is a big adjustment and she did well to get up to speed quickly, so we’re optimistic of what Melinda and Greg can achieve.”
The team’s other two Radicals will be driven by Peter Clare/Josh Hunt, and Alex Gardner.
Volante Rosso has become an increasingly prominent player in the Australian GT3 landscape, fielding the likes of Jayden Ojeda and Sam Brabham.
SMP will host Round 1 of the Radical Cup Australia season on June 16-18.
