An internal staff shuffle at Erebus Motorsport will see female mechanics take up the top two jobs on Aaren Russell’s Plus Fitness Holden.
The move is said to mark the first time that women have held the number one and two mechanic roles on a V8 Supercar in the history of the championship.
Previous number one mechanic for Russell, Dennis Huijser, has been promoted to crew chief, supporting team manager Joe Sasso.
Former number two mechanic on the car, Frances Buckley, has been moved into Huijser’s previous role, while Erebus GT and Ute staffer Bonnie Beard takes over the second position.
Erebus owner Betty Klimenko, who is the only female team principal in the sport, stressed that both positions have been awarded on merit.
“We have two wonderful people filling these roles, the fact they are both women is a coincidence,” she said.
“I feel that Frances and Bonnie will work well together and be an asset to the number 4 car.”
Buckley has previous experience in European GT racing, as well as touring cars and Toyota Racing Series equipment in her native New Zealand.
She was recruited by Erebus over the off-season as it underwent a wholesale change of staff while moving from Queensland to Melbourne.
“It’s been a quick learning curve for the whole team after we came together fairly late before the season and I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to take over the number 1 mechanic role,” she said.
Beard added her excitement at stepping up into V8 Supercars, which can be a stressful environment for mechanics.
“The intensity and closeness of the racing and quick turn around in between sessions is something I can’t wait for,” she said.
“I’m up for the challenge that’s for sure.”
Discussion about this post