Second-year Carrera Cup driver Renee Gracie will make her V8 Supercars debut in the Dunlop Series next year.
Gracie will carry her main backer Fujitsu General into the program although the team and details of the effort are yet to be disclosed.
The 19-year-old Queensland-based driver will become the first female to contest a full season of the development series since Leanne Tander (nee Ferrier) in 2001.
Gracie has shown steady improvement in the Carrera Cup series where she has finished every race this season including four top 10 finishes.
“Ever since I started racing in karts, I have always dreamt of racing a V8 Supercar,” Gracie said.
“To now be stepping up to the Dunlop Series is hugely exciting and a wonderful reward for my sponsors and a number of people who have put their faith and support towards my ambitions.
“I have no doubt that the Dunlop Series will be another big step in intensity and competition, but I am ready for the challenge and feel that two seasons in Porsche Carrera Cup has given me an invaluable opportunity to learn and develop.
Philip Perham, deputy managing director of Fujitsu General Australia P/L is delighted to be extending Fujitsu’s association has taken great satisfaction from being involved with Gracie’s career development.
“Fujitsu General has been a supporter of Renee since she was selected as one of our ‘Cool’ Drivers when she was just 16,” Perham said.
“To support her since that time and see her development in Carrera Cup over the last two years in particular, has been very satisfying.”
V8 Supercars chief executive James Warburton said he was hopeful Gracie could make the leap into the main game in future.
“We wish her the best of luck and hope to see her in the V8 Supercars Championship at some point in the future”.
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