Betty Klimenko is an interesting woman. Eccentric, a little strange perhaps. Stupid? No chance in hell, especially when the Klimenko owned Erebus Motorsport can pull off what they have done with the signing of Ford Factory Team driver Will Davison. This is going to have a huge impact on the team, and on Davison’s career, personally I can’t help but think Davison has made a very intelligent move.
Davison can drive. There’s no question there. Third in the 2013 driver series, and a regular podium finisher, Davison brings a real sense of credibility to the fledgling Erebus team. The thing to consider here though is that while Erebus is now firmly on the rise, Ford is firmly on the downturn, especially with the knowledge the iconic Falcon will no longer be in production after 2015.
Erebus CEO Ryan Maddison was naturally pleased with the signing, saying “It’s a major coup for us … Will is among the top three drivers in Australia with a tremendous record of success over the past five seasons and we’re delighted in the commitment he’s shown in us for the future, he’ll be a key part of our success as we move forward. With the combined strengths in Will and Lee (Holdsworth) I am very comfortable with our strategy.”
Along with the news of the new driver signings is the commitment from key sponsors such as Fuchs to long term support of Erebus Motorsport. “Having a company like Fuchs that shares our determination for success made it very easy to renegotiate for 2014 and beyond, they are a fantastic partner to Erebus Motorsport” said Maddison on the V8 Supercars website.
Erebus need to now be considered a force to be reckoned with. Davison, Holdsworth and Tim Slade all have great driver pedigrees. Klimenko has a passion for her team that is undeniable. Erebus are determined to see a Mercedes on the podium, and while 2014 may not be the year it happens, it WILL happen. The face of V8 supercars has already changed, and will change further with the introduction of the (frankly gorgeous) Volvo Polestar cars this year. Holden and Ford have lost their stranglehold on the series, and while – like many fans – I lamented the change in the racing dynamic, I’m now starting to think the change is both a good thing, and possibly vital to see V8 Supercars continued existence.
Ford, as I said, are going into a very difficult future. Holden has announce that from 2017 the Commodore on which the Holden race cars are built will be manufactured in China. In simple terms, V8 has to evolve or die. It has chosen to evolve, and I believe the evolution has just begun. I can see other big name drivers following Davison into newer teams, or following the example of Todd and Rick Kelly, striking out with their own marque. Chrysler have expressed interest in the past with the 300C, Toyota could follow Nissan with a modified Camry or Aurion. Even BMW could return to Bathurst one day.
The 2014 v8 Supercar series kicks off in 39 days with the Adelaide Clipsal 500. One thing is certain, in this new age of racing NOTHING is certain. I eagerly await the new season, and I genuinely wish Davsion success with his new move.
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Main Photo Credit: Robert Cianflone via Zimbio.com
