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Tim Slade to Depart Erebus

13 Sep 2013
Erebus Motorsport and its driver, Tim Slade, will part company at the conclusion of the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship.
3 mins by James Pavey
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UPDATE: 

Tim Slade has told v8supercars.com.au the announcement of his departure just an hour before the first practice session of the day was "definitely" a distraction. 

"My preference was, any announcements I ever had to make – not that I’ve had to make many in my career – but I’d prefer to do it away from the race track. That was my words of advice to everyone involved, but it is what it is.”

Click here to read the full story of how Slade topped the times in the day's first session.

UPDATE: 

Walkinshaw Racing will not be announcing its driver line-up for the 2014 season – and a representative from the team said it was unprofessional for Erebus Motorsport V8 to speculate on which team departing driver Tim Slade could be joining. 

It was announced earlier this year that Russell Ingall would be leaving the team at the end of this season, leaving a seat to be filled in the three-car squad.

Tim Slade also declined to comment on the statement released by Erebus on his future. 

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Erebus Motorsport and its driver, Tim Slade, will part company at the conclusion of the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship, when the contract currently held between the two parties comes to an end on December 31, 2013.

Erebus Motorsport is of the understanding he will be joining with Walkinshaw Racing from 2014.

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A number of high profile drivers within V8 Supercars have approached Erebus Motorsport about driving the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG that Tim currently races, with a tough decision to be made that will help Erebus meet its performance and commercial goals.

“When entering V8 Supercars this year, Erebus Motorsport took on a number of pre-existing contracts from the previous ownership,” said Erebus Motorsport Chief Executive Officer Ryan Maddison. “We’ve always been aware that it was going to take time to shape the organisation in line with the long term brand vision of Erebus Motorsport.

”Despite some robust negotiations, we weren’t able to reach agreement with Tim, he has been open and professional throughout the entire process, which is exactly what we expect from anyone involved with Erebus Motorsport,” Maddison added.

“The motivation of our crew is higher than ever and each team member wants to come to the end of this year with the strongest possible results.”

Team Owner Betty Klimenko wished Slade well in his future endeavours.

“Tim is a wonderful boy, he has driven with us since our very first Bathurst 12 Hour. I wish him all the best with his new team,” said Klimenko.

Slade will remain behind the wheel of the #47 Heavy Haulage Australia E63 AMG through until the Sydney 500 in December.

The 28-year-old was a foundation driver for Erebus Motorsport in its SLS AMG GT3 program prior to the announcement the team would enter V8 Supercars with a trio of Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG racecars 12 months ago.

He will compete in the Sandown 500 with Andrew Thompson this weekend in Melbourne.

Erebus Motorsport will be making no further comment on Tim Slade’s contract.

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