Erebus junior to race former Kostecki Commodore

Erebus Academy junior Jay Hanson will return with Image Racing in Super2 this year, Erebus has announced.

Hanson, 19, made his Dunlop Super2 Series debut last year.

The teenager finished 10th overall with a best finish of fourth in Townsville.

Hanson will race the Erebus-built Commodore Brodie Kostecki used in the main game in 2022.

Kostecki also took the car to third in the 2021 Repco Bathurst 1000.

Image Racing received the chassis from Erebus last Wednesday

“We’re going into the season with a lot more confidence and I’m looking forward to the new year,” Hanson said.

The chassis handover

“We have more experience under our belts now and by the end of last year.

“We were comfortably finishing in the top 10 and finished the year with results closer to the top five.

“We know we’re going to have a good car underneath us working with Image Racing and Erebus Academy again.

“There’s no reason we shouldn’t be shooting for podiums and race wins this season.”

It’s another piece of the 2023 Super2 puzzle, with the grid vastly different to 2022.

Tickford Racing will run two cars for Brad Vaughan and Elly Morrow.

Walkinshaw Andretti United (Zach Bates and Ryan Wood) and Blanchard Racing Team (Aaron Love) have also joined the fold.

Eggleston Motorsport will run four cars for Kai Allen, Cooper Murray, Jordan Sinni and Cameron Crick.

Hanson in 2022

Brad Jones Racing will run Lochie Dalton, with the likes of Matt Chahda Motorsport (Matt Chahda) and Brema Group Racing (Zane Morse) also set to return.

Triple Eight and Grove Junior Team will not take part in the 2023 season.

Hanson also competed in TCR last year, but is determined to reach the main Supercars series.

“I think it’s important to get our heads down, put all our eggs in one basket and really focus on Super2 and Supercars,” Hanson added.

“I have a new car to learn which I was fortunate enough to do a few laps in last year, though it’s a different car and something I will need to adapt to.”

Erebus CEO Barry Ryan added: "We saw a lot of potential in Jay during his debut season last year and we’re thrilled to see him back for another year.

"We’re confident that with his full focus on his Super2 campaign, Jay will be fighting for podiums and race wins throughout the year."

Hanson will test on February 14 before racing at Newcastle on March 10-12.