WHINCUP REPLACEMENT SET
Living legend Jamie Whincup’s replacement at Triple Eight will be revealed early next week.
Red Bull Ampol Racing released a teaser video this afternoon that nominated Tuesday, August 31 as when Shane van Gisbergen’s new 2022 teammate will be announced.
The hot favourite to take over record seven-time Supercars champion Whincup’s seat is Super2 star Broc Feeney.
The 18-year-old is set to be promoted as Whincup retires at the end of the season to become Triple Eight team principal, replacing founder Roland Dane.
Feeney, son of 1980s Superbikes star Paul, is the front-runner because of his potential and connections.
Also, established stars who could have filled Whincup’s seat are off the market.
Chaz Mostert has re-signed with WAU, while Cam Waters’ renewal with Tickford Racing is expected to be announced early next month.
Triple Eight has decided Whincup’s driving successor and will make the long-awaited announcement next Tuesday.
A gala media launch on the Gold Coast is planned.
Whincup, 37, is still racing for his eighth V8 crown. He is second to van Gisbergen with five scheduled rounds to go.
He will step down from full-time racing to become team principal of Triple Eight.
Whincup is a team co-owner, holding a 19 per cent share. Majority owner is business and racing entrepreneur Tony Quinn with 40 per cent, with Jessica
Dane holding 30 per cent and her father retaining 11 per cent and chairmanship of the Triple Eight board.
Feeney’s appointment is reminiscent of Whincup’s surprise signing in 2006.
Whincup was a low-cost partner to Craig Lowndes, but he quickly outshone the superstar to win the 2008/09/11/12/13/14/17 titles.
He also won the Bathurst 1000 four times – and lost three more.
Feeney is a bigger risk, but he is the best available talent.
He will have a year to ease into the main game and the mid-season planned transition to a Gen3 Camaro, ready to challenge SBG and contend in 2023.
All will be revealed next Tuesday…
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