After testing with Image Racing’s Terry Wyhoon at the beginning of the year, Reef McCarthy decided to make the transition from Formula Vee to a Super3. 

The transition was highly successful for the 18-year-old who managed to finish third in the Championship on debut.

How would you rate your season and why?

RM: I’d give myself a solid 9 out of 10. I’d give myself that score because I feel like I found good consistency throughout the year. I started off the year having only been in a Supercar twice but I found I was able to develop my skills and push myself to find the car’s limit without making too many big mistakes. 

This was your debut season in Super3, how did you find the transition from a Formula Vee to a Supercar?

RM: This year was a big change, not only in the type of car I was racing but also the kind of tracks I was racing at. Everything was different but luckily I got to work with Image Racing who have been great. It’s been an awesome year of developing my skills and learning all of the different driving aspects and techniques that we do differently in a Supercar compared to a Formula Vee.

What was the highlight of your season?

RM: The last race at Bathurst where I got my first win was definitely the highlight for me. Up until that point, I was pretty much last the whole weekend because I didn’t get a single lap in qualifying so I was really happy to get to show my pace. I’ve been getting quicker throughout the year so I felt like it was a really good way to show my progress.

Was there a performance you were particularly proud of, even if the result wasn’t necessarily where you wanted it to be?

RM: I’d definitely say the first race at the Bathurst 1000. I was starting at the back because I didn’t get a timed lap in qualifying and I made up 12 spots and got myself right behind first place. My results didn’t show because I lost a cylinder and had to shut down the engine but I was able to show that I don’t only have the speed but I have the race craft to move my way through the field and make opportunities where I could. 

How would you compare your results to the expectations you had at the start of the season?

RM: My expectation at the start of the year was to be fighting for a podium place by the end of the season so to be consistently on the podium and battling for wins, I’m over the moon. 

Consistently being on the podium saw you finish 3rd overall in the Super3 Championship, how does that feel in your debut season?

RM: Leading into Bathurst, I still had my sights set on the win. I knew I needed a couple of first places so I put a lot of pressure on myself at that event but I was really happy with the way I was able to cope with the pressure and push as hard as I could. I’m still over the moon to come away with 3rd in the Championship but still think there’s a lot more improvement in myself and I can’t wait to see what I can do hopefully next year. 

What are your plans for next year?

RM: The main objective would definitely be to hop into a Super2 car next year and really try and progress forward, so we’re currently in the process of getting a budget together for that but nothing is set in stone.