Latest Erebus Academy member joins Toyota field

Oli Wickam is the latest youngster to join the Erebus Academy and will line up in the Toyota GR Cup, which starts this weekend in Townsville.

Wickham has been on Erebus’ radar since karting days and has recently finished fourth in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia Scholarship Series.

However, it was a Hyundai Excel race that caught the attention of Erebus Motorsport CEO Barry Ryan.

“I first saw Oli race when he was only 14,” Ryan said. 

“It was probably one of the best races I’ve watched, three cars battling hard, and Oli stood out with his composure and race craft. 

“Since then, I’ve followed his progress closely and have been consistently impressed.”

Wickham is proud to join the likes of Jobe Stewart and Max Geoghegan in the Erebus Academy.

“I’m incredibly proud to be joining the Erebus Academy as I take the next step in my career,” Wickham said. 

“To have the support of Betty and Barry means a lot, and I’m excited to grow alongside a team that’s proven its ability to develop young talent.

“Competing in GR Cup with the backing of both Erebus and Norwell Motorplex gives me a great platform to learn and improve. 

“I know there’s hard work ahead, but I’m ready to make the most of it and do the team proud.”

Before Erebus, Wickham had already attracted attention from Paul Morris, who has helped countless youngsters grow at Norwell.

“Having someone like Paul Morris in Oli’s corner is another great sign he’s on the right track,” Ryan added. 

“We’re excited to help guide his development and build toward what we hope is a long future with Erebus.”

Wickham is part of a busy 32-car field in the Toyota opener at Townsville where some familiar faces return including 2024 season runner-up James Lodge, and top-10 placeholders Brock Stinson, Clay Richards and Lachlan Gibbons.

They are competing for a $50,000 first prize that was won last year by Max Geoghegan, who has graduated to the Super2 racing series for 2025.

“Last year’s TGRA GR CUP was a sensational demonstration of exciting, competitive and closely contested racing, which for a number of racers helped them take the next step in their motorsport career,” Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer Vin Naidoo said.

“The 2025 season promises to continue where last year left off, providing fans and drivers alike with thrilling racing on some of Australia’s most famous circuits.

“On behalf of Toyota Australia, I’d like to wish every driver and their team all the best for what will be a very exciting TGRA GR CUP season.”

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