Griffin Gardiner has officially left 9ine 5ive simsports and is tipped to turn up at Lobs Esport, confirmation expected prior to next weeks Road America round of the series.

Gardiners exit from 9ine 5ive has left a huge hole as team leader on track, almost immediately filled by returning Ric Kuznetsov. Ric left 9ine 5ive only six months ago for Altus, who have subsequently folded, and at that time Ric turned up at the fast-expanding Vermillion Motorsports, only for this all to go full circle with Ric now confirmed to fill the void at 9ine 5ive left by Gardiners exit.

Unconfirmed reports have a bombshell announcement imminent, with Lobs Esports reportedly signing Andrew Gilliam, expected to be confirmed alongside Gardiner at a bolstered Lobs Esports.

This leaves Vermillion Motorsport without its two star drivers it signed only a matter of weeks ago, and who secured the team's first pro series podium.

Lobs Esports already have a formidable roster, with Filsell, Rudd, Rosella and Scott. Adding Gardiner and Gilliam to this team will fill four of the top 5 championship positions as we stand after round 5.

Trans Tasman Racing have enjoyed depth of front-running talent in recent years, with other teams unable to match the sheer numbers of front-running cars in the mix for podiums and race wins, this would certainly change the dynamic at the front of the field and give Lobs the upper hand.

If this is true, how will this play out? Who will have to play support? We have seen over the years, TTR have had a policy where all drivers are free to race, which has worked for and against them at times. What will the policy be at Lobs?

It has certainly been an interesting couple of weeks, let’s see what team and liveries everyone turns up in for Road America next week!