Erebus Academy has announced Reef McCarthy’s return to Bathurst, with the 18-year-old making his Super2 debut alongside Image Racing for next month’s Bathurst 1000.

With Jaylyn Robotham’s full focus now on Bathurst’s main event, McCarthy will take over the reigns of the #999 Commodore following a 10 month hiatus from Supercars. 

McCarthy has kept his eye in with regular appearances in the Victorian Formula Vee Championship and currently sits 2nd in the standings, with eight podium finishes and six race wins this season.

“I’m super excited to make my debut in Super2 at Bathurst. It will be a real test for me,” McCarthy said.

“The Super2 field is a really strong category and I’m looking forward to testing my skills amongst some of the best up and coming drivers. 

“It’s especially great to be debuting with Image Racing and I’m very fortunate that Terry and Dana have given me this opportunity, especially at the last minute. 

“To have a great group of people behind me that will do whatever they can to get me out on track and give me the best car that they can is really fantastic of them.”

After a successful run throughout last year’s Super3 season that resulted in four podium finishes and a win at the Bathurst 1000, McCarthy is looking forward to making the step forward.

“I’m going into Bathurst without too many expectations on myself,” McCarthy said. 

“I’ll have to see how my test at Winton goes firstly but I’m also just not really too sure what to expect as I’ve never raced any of the other competitors before.

“It’s been a while since I’ve raced a Supercar and I still have a lot to work on but I really hope I can get my consistency up and hopefully put together a full weekend without any dramas.”

Having attended a Winton test with the Erebus Academy back in April, McCarthy continues to chase his dream of a main game drive and is looking forward to his return to Supercar racing. 

“The closest thing to a Super2 I’ve driven is the Erebus Mercadore. It was great to get a few laps in and brush out the cobwebs and I think I’m really going to enjoy adapting to the VF Commodore.

“Supercars is definitely still the ultimate goal for myself and any way that I can get myself amongst the category is great. I’m doing everything I can to continue moving forward.”

Having supported McCarthy through his debut Super3 season last year, Image Racing Team Owner Terry Wyhoon is pleased to see McCarthy returning to the field for the biggest race of the year. 

“It’s great to see Reef stepping up into the Super2 field. He’s a great kid, he’s really passionate so I’m happy to see him back” Wyhoon said.

“The last time he raced at Bathurst was in a Super3 and he won the final race so I’m looking forward to seeing how he’ll go and I have no doubt he’ll give it all he’s got.”

McCarthy will jump in the driver’s seat for a test day at Winton on September 28, before making his debut at the Bathurst 1000, October 6 – 9.