Fraser fights through pain barrier in Gen3 test

Declan Fraser had to fight through a pain barrier during his landmark first test with his new Gen3 Tickford Mustang.

2022 Super2 champion Fraser replaced Jake Kostecki in Tickford’s four-car line-up.

The Queenslander joined Tickford at the team’s first Gen3 shakedown last week, with Cam Waters logging over 100 laps in the #6 Ford.

Fraser did the same aboard his own #56 entry at Winton Motor Raceway on Wednesday, but was forced to battle a bout of tonsillitis along the way.

However, having christened new car ‘Mia’, Fraser didn’t let his ailment spoil his special day.

It came on a day Fraser also worked together on his new car with new engineer Chris Stuckey for the first time.

Stuckey joins Tickford from Matt Stone Racing, having engineered Todd Hazelwood in 2022.

Fraser ran a plain black car ahead of the livery reveal

“Massive effort from everyone at @tickfordracing to get her out on track and what a day it was,” he posted to social media.

“Woke up yesterday with swollen tonsils which made today a very tough slog.

“Still pushed through and clocked over 100 laps. Can’t wait to get back out for another spin.

“Special shout-out goes out to the 56 crew for working all day and all night to get me out on track.”

Fraser’s #56 Mustang was one of 11 new Gen3 cars to test at Winton on Wednesday.

The former Triple Eight junior was joined by Tickford teammate James Courtney, who also shook down his new #5 Snowy Rivers Caravans Ford.

Waters was also on site at Winton to cast a watchful eye over proceedings.

Fraser with new engineer Stuckey

Brad Jones Racing and Walkinshaw Andretti United tested their respective full fleet of cars.

BJR notably tested its four Camaros on consecutive days.

Erebus Motorsport and Penrite Racing rolled out their respective remaining cars, the #9 Camaro for Will Brown and #26 Mustang for David Reynolds.

Brown’s co-driver Jack Perkins also drove the Coca-Cola Chevrolet, with Garth Tander also joining Penrite Racing.

Thursday features the first Gen3 running for Team 18, with Matt Stone Racing, Dick Johnson Racing and PremiAir Racing testing their second cars.

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will commence at the Thrifty Newcastle 500 on March 10-12.

Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.