Erebus keen to 'drive change' for charitable cause

Erebus Motorsport has joined forces with non-for-profit initiative Racing with Autism Australia (RWAA).

Racing with Autism Australia aims to raise awareness and acceptance of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by highlighting talented individuals within motorsport who are on the Autism Spectrum.

Founder and Director of RWAA, Jessica Benge is thrilled by the opportunity to attract widespread attention to the foundation with the help of Erebus Motorsport and its Academy.

“One of the many purposes of RWAA is to support racers by sharing their stories, including their achievements and their day-to-day struggles, with the hope of not just gaining awareness for Autism but acceptance and understanding,” Benge said.

“This program is inspired by the Canadian program, which shares the story of the inspirational Austin Riley who is a very successful racer within North America.

“Austin has an incredible touch on inspiring others on the Autism Spectrum to achieve their goals and to share their stories, and is known all over the globe.”

An estimated 1 in 70 people in Australia are on the autism spectrum, with males four times as likely as females to be reported as having autism.

Combining her passion for racing and disability support, Benge’s organisation currently represents twenty young drivers across Australia, in a variety of categories including motocross, karting, and speedway.

RWAA Founder and Director, Jessica Benge with RWAA drivers

“We offer personable support, advertisement, financial support and we encourage our racers to discuss any needs they have, to see how we can best support them,” Benge continued.

“We do our best to offer support at and away from race tracks and are building a team of mentors to help encourage the growth of this project.”

Erebus boss Betty Klimenko recognises the importance of not only empowering those with autism but providing those without it with a deeper level of understanding and empathy.

“It is a huge pleasure to help in any way we can,” Klimenko said.

Erebus' Bathurst success raised $50,000 for charity last December

“With family on the autism spectrum, the cause is very close to my heart.

“As a sport, and as a team in the spotlight, I believe we have an obligation to use our platform to help raise awareness for initiatives like Racing with Autism.

“There’s a stigma around those on the Autism Spectrum and we want to help drive that change.”

RWAA will bring those affected to Supercars events during the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship to experience the action and go behind-the-scenes with Erebus Motorsport.

Find out more about Racing with Autism Australia via their website here or on their Facebook page.

The 13-event 2022 Repco Supercars Championship will commence in Newcastle in March. Tickets for the event are on sale now.

CLICK HERE to view the 13-round draft 2022 calendar.