Experienced V8 Supercars engineers Campbell Little and Barry Ryan have been enlisted to boost the fortunes of Erebus Motorsport’s E63 AMGs.
The team has confirmed Little’s involvement as a consultant, which has seen him undertaking part-time work on the Queensland-based squad’s engine program during the early stages of the season.
An upgraded engine has been run in Will Davison’s Mercedes at the last two meetings, helping the driver achieve a pair of second-row qualifying performances at Symmons Plains.
Little and Melbourne-based Barry Ryan, who works full-time on Erebus’ GT program, have recently completed a thorough review of the V8 team’s operations as owner Betty Klimenko strives to improve its results.
Ryan, who boasts almost a decade of experience at Perkins Motorsport prior to joining Erebus, has not previously had direct involvement in the running of the V8 team, but attended the recent Symmons Plains meeting.
The squad lost team manager David Stuart and general manager Ross Stone last year, both without direct replacements.
Little is combining limited Erebus work with his existing commitments in the Australian GT Championship (Maranello Motorsport) and Carrera Cup (Scott Taylor Motorsport).
Erebus CEO Ryan Maddison says that the part-time input of Little and Ryan will complement the team’s existing structure, underpinned by team manager Ben Croke and technical director Wes McDougall.
“As a team we have undergone some key personnel changes since our first year in V8 Supercars so the introduction of Campbell will further complement the more than capable structure we already have in place,” said Maddison in a statement responding to Speedcafe.com’s enquiries.
“Barry too has had many years of experience in all different categories so his enhanced involvement with the V8 operation can only have a positive impact on the team.
“We have a very passionate team owner in Betty and key personnel that want to make sure that we are operating as a team in the most optimal way.
“With the gains we have made already this year following an extensive period of development, we are excited about what the remainder of the year will bring.’’
Little has been out of V8 Supercars this year after finishing 2014 in a consultancy role with Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport.
A key player in success at Stone Brothers Racing, Triple Eight Engineering and Prodrive Racing Australia over the last two decades, Little says that Erebus has shown strong potential.
“It’s a team that boasts some great people, resources and lots of potential,” he said.
“All the right ingredients are here, it’s all about making sure we get the best out of everything and everyone to ensure the team is capable of competing consistently at the highest level.’’
Erebus hopes to have its latest engine upgrades in Ash Walsh’s car for the next championship event at Barbagallo Raceway.
The 27-year-old is set to undergo a Rookie Test Day at Queensland Raceway next Thursday.
The test was originally set to take place prior to the Clipsal 500, but was postponed due to bad weather.
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