Erebus Motorsport has confirmed that the team will stick with General Motors machinery in 2022, teasing a livery inspired by this year’s Boost Mobile Commodore.
The Melbourne-based outfit has seen its best success with General Motors since switching from AMG E63’s in 2016, including most remarkably a Bathurst 1000 victory in 2017.
Erebus Motorsport boss Barry Ryan says the decision was motivated by continuity and team owner Betty Klimenko’s preference for the brand.
“We chose to run the Camaro based on the fact that Betty has always been a General Motors person, rather than a Ford person,” he said.
“There’s no need to change from where we are now as GM or Holden, so we’re sticking with the same parent brand.”
While Ryan admits he will miss the iconic presence of Holdens on the grid, he believes it’s an important step forward for the sport.
“The Camaro is a good platform for the sport, it’s a very similar car to the Ford Mustang and it will be exciting to see them both go head-to-head,” he said.
“It’s a two door coupe dating back to the mid to late 60’s, and it’s essentially a sports car rather than a four door family car like the Commodore.”
When the Camaro makes its return to Supercars, it will have been nearly 40-years since it has featured on the grid in Australian Touring Car Championship.
“Fans are integral to our sport and I think the switch to another iconic GM vehicle is key to maintaining the huge Holden fan base that exists within our sport,” Ryan said.
“Overall, it’s just going to be a cool car and will hopefully engage our fans more than ever.”
Erebus will build their own set of Camaros, which will see a sleeker body shape thanks to Gen 3’s new lower control chassis.
With the team already finalising their chassis jig design and awaiting parts to arrive next month, Ryan is confident his team will be ready for the debut of the Camaro.
“The current target for the switch is for the first race of 2022; that’s the target for the category and that’s the target we’re aiming for,” he said.
“The cars look really exciting, particularly in the Boost colours, and we can’t wait for them to hit the track next year.”
The 2021 season will continue in the Northern Territory with the Darwin Triple Crown, June 18-20.