NEXT GENERATION TEST EREBUS SUPERCAR

Seven members of the Erebus Academy were given the opportunity to test a Supercar at Winton Raceway yesterday with team CEO Barry Ryan declaring all have the ability to make the main game.

National up and comers Jaylyn Robotham, Jay Hanson, Reef McCarthy, Jobe Stewart, and Bailey Sweeny were joined by reigning Queensland Formula Ford Champion Cameron McLeod and TCR New Zealand Touring Car Championship runner-up Jordan Michels for the occasion, which ran in conjunction with an Image Racing test day.

Each driver trialled the Mercedes-powered Erebus Holden Commodore, completing three sessions throughout the day with coaching from Erebus co-driver Jack Perkins.

Robotham and Hanson had the most track time in a Supercar, also turning laps with Image Racing, while Stewart, Sweeny, Michels and McLeod experienced the machine for the first time.

Toyota 86 racer Harrison Gray was also invited to Winton but could not attend the test.

Ryan was glowing in his assessment of each of the young steerers.

“Yesterday was something we have wanted to do for a long time and a great opportunity to give these young drivers the chance to drive a Supercar,” Ryan said.

“They all acted professionally and for drivers who hadn’t done a lot of driving anything like a Supercar, they all did a great job.

“For some of these drivers, yesterday was the first time they had ever been in a tin top, let alone a Supercar.

“Each of them has a future in Supercars if they can find the right opportunities.”

Ryan joined Perkins and the Erebus engineers and mechanics to guide all seven juniors through the day.

The team boss explained that he thought it important to continue to develop young drivers.

“It’s a great addition to their resumes and really important for these young guys to get some experience behind the wheel of a Supercar and for teams to know they have the experience and are capable,” Ryan explained

“We can serve as a reference which is a massive advantage for these kids to be able to say that.

“We’d love to take on all of these talented drivers but that’s not possible so to at least give them an opportunity that we know will benefit their career, wherever they end up, is really important to us.”

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