Rookie evaluates next year

Rookie Shae Davies is considering his options for next year with the Coates Hire Sydney 500 set to be his last round with Erebus Motorsport.

With no place for Davies at Erebus in 2017, his focus has now turned to the Supercars Dunlop Series Championship and securing a co-driver position for the Pirtek Enduro Cup.

“The contract was only until the end of 2016, so at the moment it is more likely I will be back in the Dunlop Series next year, as well as trying for a co-drive with the added experience I’ve now got,” Davies told supercars.com.  

“I need to stay in that field and keep learning and pushing, so getting a good co-drive – potentially with Erebus – will be a plan but there are some other options on the table. It is looking pretty good, thanks, to the back end of this year.”

Davies highlighted his confidence in becoming a top championship contender in the Dunlop Series in 2017.

“We will try and maintain a relationship with Erebus but it is more than likely I will race the Dunlop Series and try and go for the Championship there,” Davies said.

“I never underestimate the competition, but I think the main game has put me in good stead.

“I am fortunate enough to have gained a lot of experience in the back end of 2016, so I think it will put me in a good position for the championship next year.”

Davies debuted in the Supercars Dunlop Series last year with Matt Stone Racing, and ended the season as the highest place rookie.

While rules for the two driver endurance races meant he could participate in both the Dunlop Series and Supercars Championship at Sandown and Bathurst, he will be sitting out from the Dunlop Series at the Coates Hire Sydney 500.

“We are going to have to step out of the DVS car because we can’t do both categories, which is a bit unfortunate but rules are rules so my focus will be on Car #4 in the main game,” Davies confirmed.

The Queenslander completed six rounds in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship for Erebus Motorsport, with his best result 20th in qualifying at Pukekohe last round.

With the Coates Hire Sydney 500 finale approaching, Davies would be “stoked” finishing his contract with Erebus on a personal best.

“To get another top 20 and finish races in that position it would be really good and I think that’s a fair goal,” Davies said.

Davies thanked Erebus for the opportunity he gained to step up into the main game for the back half of 2016.

“It’s gotten my name out there and helped instil confidence in my ability. It has been very challenging and tough but one I’ve enjoyed massively,” Davies said.

He equated the value of his experience to two years in the second tier development program.

“I think I’ve grown as much as two years in the Dunlop Series. That is the level of competition,” Davies said.

“It should put us in a good position for 2017.”

A 2017 seat with a Dunlop Series team is not yet set in stone, however his previous team Matt White Motorsport is one of a few options on the table.

Davies emphasised the importance of transitioning into a NewGen Supercar to be competitive in the Dunlop Series field next year.

“This year was a struggle being in an older generation car so we need to make sure we are in a newgen car next year,” Davies said.

“If we can do that which we have a few options for, we will be in a good position.”