Family sacrifices fuel Fraser’s title triumph

By Thomas Miles
Date posted: 5 December 2022
Declan Fraser secured the 2022 Dunlop Super 2 Series in some style with a near perfect weekend at the VALO Adelaide 500.
Up to five drivers entered the season finale in championship contention, but Fraser blew them away by winning every pole and race on offer across the weekend to cruise to the trophy and give Triple Eight Race Engineering a historic main game and Super 2 sweep in the same season.
The Queenslander was visibly emotional after taking out the championship and said the foundations for the success were laid my many family sacrifices made over the journey.
“I cannot put it into words,” Fraser recalled.
“Mum and dad have put in so many sacrifices over the years, same with my sister as well. Not only to ensure I was here (at Super 2) but racing as well, so to have them here this weekend it means the most.
“My nan sadly could not be here, she passed away last year, but also made so many sacrifices to ensure I was racing from travelling all over Australia with my Toyota 86 on the back of a trailer with Poppy.
“She was definitely with us today (Sunday).”

Declan Fraser’s family were supporting their son every step of the way in the pits. Image: Mark Horsburgh/EDGE Photographics
Fraser has also made his own personal sacrifices such as spending his own money to attend every Supercars round in addition to the Dunlop Series doubleheaders to learn as much as possible from the Triple Eight Race Engineering setup.
He said these experience and the support from the team played a big part in helping the squad sweep every prize on offer from the Bathurst 1000, Supercars drivers and teams championships and Super 2 title all in the same year.
“It is pretty special to be a part of history,” Fraser said.
“I am so grateful to the whole Triple Eight family, Supercheap Auto and Money Me for supporting me the whole way through.”

Declan Fraser crosses the line to win the 2022 Dunlop Super 2 Series crown. Image: Mark Horsburgh/EDGE Photographics
Fraser said the secret to his Adelaide dominance was a secret switch mentally, which gave him the freedom to not get caught up in hairy moments such as receiving a whack by Matt Chahda which could have potentially ruined his final race.
“I worked a lot on my mental state actually heading into this weekend, so I had a completely different mindset than I did the whole season and I think it showed,” he said.
“That final race was intense, there was a lot of carnage behind and in front.
“We had a lot more pace than Matt, but he was a bit more on edge than I was willing to drive and I got pushed wide, but held my nerve and got it back to within the five second bracket.
“We came away with all the wins and championship, so could not be better.”

Triple Eight’s Declan Fraser leads title rival Zak Best through the Senna Chicane at the Adelaide 500. Image: Mark Horsburgh/EDGE Photographics
Triple Eight Race Engineering managing director Jamie Whincup was full of praise for Fraser and revealed the championship success almost did not happen.
“Jess Dane and another guy Jimmy have done an amazing job because our whole Super 2 team fell apart or got poached after the second round,” he said.
“We had Matty Cook and two mechanics all depart to another team, which left us in dire straights, so Jess and Jimmy put their hands up to rebuild that team, so to comeback and win is unbelievable.”
This year’s Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen also spoke highly of Fraser, who has worked extremely closely with the main game program all year in addition to racing a Bathurst wildcard with Craig Lowndes to get better.

Jess Dane celebrates the Triple Eight’s Super 2 championship glory on Sunday. Image: Mark Horsburgh/EDGE Photographics
Van Gisbergen said Fraser “good enough” to be on the Supercars grid in 2023.
“He has been awesome and been at almost half of our debriefs as a fly on the wall, learning and soaking everything in and asking lots of questions,” he said.
“Attitude is everything and he was under so much pressure and it was really cool to see (Fraser win).
“It is a shame he will not be on the grid next year, he is definitely good enough for it, so hopefully he gets a shot in a good wildcard and gets a drive the next year.”
As for 2023, Fraser does not have anything set in concrete, but will start thinking about it soaking up the sunshine on the Bali beaches.
“My main focus into this weekend was not about 2023, it was about winning this championship and we have done that,” he said.
“There are no main game seats left, so I will go over to the Bali and enjoy a nice cocktail on the beach and have a think about next year.”
For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest issue of AUTO ACTION.
AUTO ACTION, Australia’s independent voice of motorsport.
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