Erebus Pre-Bathurst 1000 Test: Erebus Motorsport has announced another round of tests to occur between the Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000 races. The team recently completed its last track running session at Winton, where co-drivers David Russell and Jack Perkins were in charge of most laps. The latest announcement falls in line with Erebus’s offbeat approach to scheduling its test days. The next testing will take place on Tuesday, September 26.
Russell will be partnering with championship leader Brodie Kostecki in car #99 for the upcoming Sandown and Mount Panorama races. The duo has previously shared a podium and a fourth-place finish in the last two Great Races. During the Winton tests, Russell commented on his first experience with the Gen3 cars, stating it was beneficial to get a feel of the cars and lower lap times.
Meanwhile, Perkins, who is teaming up with Will Brown in Car #9, expressed excitement about testing the Gen3 cars for the first time. He stated that the testing day was highly productive, and he looks forward to competing in Sandown. Both Russell and Perkins acknowledged the differences in the new generation of cars, citing the need to adapt to new driving dynamics. Erebus is likely not to be the only team to engage in tests between Sandown and Bathurst. Dick Johnson Racing, for instance, still has testing days to allocate for its wildcard entry. This indicates a heightened level of competition as the Repco Supercars Championship approaches its decisive events.
Another intriguing aspect of the Winton tests was the involvement of younger drivers Jay Hanson and Cooper Murray, who enjoyed considerable seat time in the #9 Camaro. The session, initially scheduled for late May but postponed due to rain, was part of Erebus’s Driver Evaluation Day. The younger drivers expressed gratitude for the experience, indicating that it is a crucial step in their career development. Working with seasoned drivers and engineers was educational, telling Murray that such opportunities are crucial to his motorsports career. Hanson said the Gen3 Erebus Camaro was a “real eye-opener into what the main game consists of.”
Motorsport organizations are also integrating younger talent, signifying a shift in skill development and long-term strategy. Young drivers like Hanson and Murray gaining such opportunities is an investment in the future, launching a new Supercars era. As teams like Erebus prepare for the enduros, the stakes are higher than ever. Teams are scrambling to squeeze in more test days and evaluate new talent, setting for an exciting end to the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship.
Our Reader’s Queries
What happened to Erebus Racing?
Erebus Motorsport is set to make a comeback in 2023 with renewed vigor after a tough 2022 season. The team has undergone significant changes, including a new driver line-up and engineering team. Additionally, the departure of their title sponsor Penrite has added to the turbulence of the off-season leading up to 2021. Despite these challenges, Erebus Motorsport is determined to come back stronger and make a mark in the upcoming season.
When did Erebus win Bathurst?
Renowned for their victory at the 2017 Bathurst 1000 with David Reynolds and Luke Youlden, the team has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Their impressive track record also includes a win at the 2013 Bathurst 12 Hour.
