Will Davison getting up to speed in Matt Payne's Ford
Davison out of full-time Supercars seat for first time since 2005
Two-time Bathurst winner drove Payne car at Ipswich test
He may have been out of the Supercar saddle for over six months, but it didn't take Will Davison long to feel right at home in Matt Payne's Penrite Racing Ford.
Two-time Bathurst winner Davison's full-time run in the main game came to a halt last year, after Dick Johnson Racing opted to throw rookie Rylan Gray into the seat.
The Groves quickly picked up free agent Davison, who for the first time since 2005, began a year without a full-time drive in the championship.
Davison moved to lock down a GT World Challenge Australia drive, while also racing a Grove Mercedes-AMG with Kai Allen and Brenton Grove earlier this year.
Nothing sates Davison's appetite quite like a Supercar, though — and after a bumper day in Payne's Mustang — the car that led the Repco Sprint Cup to the very last race — the veteran could see what all the fuss was about.
“It’s been the first time in 20 years I've gone over six months without driving a Supercar,” Davison told Supercars.com.
“I was obviously just excited to be back, particularly in what we all know is a very competitive car.
“The test was about getting comfy in the car, comfy with my seat, getting back into Supercar mode, and then obviously trying to adapt to this Penrite Mustang, which is very different to what I drove last year.
“But I really love the car to be honest. I got straight back into it like I'd never left. So it's a good feeling.”
Davison kept a low profile after his DJR exit, and after a series of chats with media, moved on and got back down to business in GTWCA. He duly won alongside Renee Gracie at Queensland Raceway, the same circuit he got to grips with Payne's Mustang.
When asked if he has clarity, Davison said: “Yeah, I do. I’ve had a fair bit of time to digest what happened.
“I don't even need to say I've got a point to prove. I don't need to prove anything. I'm enjoying my year, enjoying what I'm doing. You know, it's amazing how quickly you feel disconnected from the paddock.
“So to be putting the colors back on now, to be a Supercar driver again for a few rounds is cool.
“I’ve spent quite a few weekends within the garage and the team, and obviously I witnessed their success firsthand. The way all the crew operates, it’s been pretty inspiring, just to watch from the back of the garage.
“It feels like a real privilege to be in the car, working with Matt and Jack [Bell, race engineer], who are just doing such an amazing job. Matty's such a pro for 23. I’ve got a lot of experience, but the way he's even been working with me, I’m so impressed."
Davison's last foray into co-driving was near perfect. After 23Red Racing closed its doors, Davison partnered Cam Waters at the Great Race. They missed out on victory by 0.5 seconds.
With defending Bathurst champion Payne locked into the Finals, the path is clear for Davison to return serve. Davison, ever the consummate pro, is well aware of the pressure he'll be under to perform.
“It's good that Matty's through to the Finals. That's a relief. We can just focus on trying to win the races,” Davison said.
“But there's still enormous pressure. But pressure's a privilege, right? I wouldn't want it any other way, but yeah, certainly having someone else's car and championship is an enormous responsibility, and I don't take that lightly at all.
“I probably get more nervous than if it's my own car. I've just got a job to do. That's all I'm focused on. I don't need to be a hero. I'm not going for a job rehearsal. I’ve just got to do my job, and I'm excited about it.”
