Erebus breaks new ground

Erebus Motorsport V8 has broken new ground, announcing female number one and two mechanics set to work together on Aaren Russell’s Holden Commodore.

Erebus is the only Supercars team run by a female owner in Betty Klimenko, and now promotes mechanic Frances Buckley to number one mechanic on the Plus Fitness Racing Holden.

Buckley relocated from her home in New Zealand to join the team earlier this year.

"I've been working in motor sport for a while now and it was awesome to get the opportunity to join Erebus Motorsport earlier this year,” she said.  

“It's been a quick learning curve for the whole team after we came together fairly late before the season and I'm very appreciative of the opportunity to take over the number one mechanic role."

Buckley has an extensive background in both international and national motor sport previously working in the Blancpain Endurance Series and British GT, as well as home-grown series such as the V8 SuperTourers, NZ V8s and Toyota Racing Series.

Bonnie Beard will step into the number two mechanic position, after working between the Erebus Motorsport Ute and GT programs for the previous 18 months.

"I've really enjoyed learning on the Utes and GT cars and I'm excited to make the transition into the Supercar crew,” Beard said.  

“The intensity and closeness of the racing and quick turn around in between sessions is something I can't wait for. I'm up for the challenge, that's for sure." 

Klimenko is delighted with the announcement and has always been an advocate for women in pit lane.

“We have two wonderful people filling these roles, the fact they are both women is a coincidence,” Klimenko said.  

“I feel that Frances and Bonnie will work well together and be an asset to the number 4 car."

Female mechanics are not a new occurrence in Supercars, with Erebus Motorsport running female mechanic Janelle Navarro at the team during the 2014 season.

The internal promotions also see previous number one mechanic for David Reynolds’ car #4 Dennis Huijser move into the role of crew chief in support of Team Manager Joe Sasso.

Erebus Motorsport will next race in Darwin on the June 17 to 19, and plans to test at home track Winton Motor Raceway before the upcoming event.