Gracie to pilot Commodore in Dunlop Super2

Renee Gracie will contest the new Dunlop Super2 Series with Image Racing in a Garry Rogers Motorsport built Holden Commodore.

The 22-year-old will stay with the Victorian operation after making her debut with the squad at the final Dunlop Series round at Sydney Olympic Park in December.

Gracie, who will pilot the VF Commodore driven by Richard Muscat last year, will continue to receive backing from fuel supplier Caltex.

It will be her first time driving a Holden Commodore having raced a Paul Morris Motorsport Ford Falcon in the Dunlop Series and a Nissan Altima supercar in a Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 wildcard appearance last year.

Gracie made her Bathurst 1000 debut in a Prodrive Falcon FG X in 2015.

She will be joined at the team by the experienced Jack Perkins, who is set to return to the second tier supercars series.

Image Racing will also continue to be supported from Dragon Motor Racing’s Tony Klein.

“While last year was difficult with two different specifications of car being allowed into the category, I’m really looking forward to the year ahead where someone of the calibre of Jack Perkins is alongside me,” said Gracie.

“It will be extremely valuable.

“I’ve already driven the Ford and Nissan COTF cars and know how much better they handle, and can’t wait to get into the Commodore in preparation for the opening round at Clipsal.

“This year is a critical one for me and I’m extremely proud to have the continued support of a premium and iconic brand in Caltex Australia.

“I’m also delighted to have formed a working relationship with both Terry Wyhoon from Image Racing and Tony Klein, who were both instrumental in pulling this program together.”

Team boss Terry Wyhoon is looking forward to seeing Gracie’s progress in new machinery.

“I was seriously impressed with Renee when we ran her in the final Dunlop Series event last year,” said Wyhoon.

“With limited running time, plus a new car and team Renee made major gains over the course of the weekend and I am sure she will be significantly better off this year in a new spec car.

“Jack (Perkins) will be of great benefit to Renee and I am genuinely looking forward to what the year holds.”

The Dunlop Super2 Series begins at the Clipsal 500 from March 2-5.