The sudden rise of Super2’s newest star
Jordan Boys is gunning for the Dunlop Super2 Series title next season, after surprising himself with a stunning finish to 2019.
The bulk of the Albury racer’s second Super2 campaign had been a struggle, with three DNFs to his name and a season-best result of seventh prior to the penultimate round.
He suddenly turned the tables last month at Sandown, qualifying on the front-row for both races and taking his maiden win on the Sunday.
That effort also snapped a 12-year victory drought for the Terry Wyhoon-run Image Racing squad dating back to 2007 at Oran Park.
Newcastle then proved to be his best round by far, snagging third on the Saturday and capitalising on a Bryce Fullwood lock-up to take a second career win in the final race of the year.
"I definitely didn't expect to be winning races; I knew that I should be a top five guy," Boys said.
"I knew I could be a top five guy, but I didn't know if I was good enough to drive a Supercar specifically to be a race winner.
"These last sort of three months have been huge for my confidence in what I can do in the future."
The 22-year-old, who formed a relationship with the Erebus Academy earlier this year, got a chance to drive David Reynolds' Holden in an additional-driver session at Winton.
The links between Image and Erebus involve technical support, including data sharing and upgraded components that were implemented to Boys’ Super2 car for Bathurst onwards.
Those new upgrades proved to be a huge help, Boys claiming the car finally became tailored to his driving style, which allowed him to showcase his talent at the final two rounds.
"I guess from Bathurst onwards for me was pretty strong," he said.
"I think we got some stuff for the car that probably helped a lot, but at the same time we changed some stuff that really suited me.
"That makes a difference and it was sort of just the team tailoring the car for me a little bit more.
"We changed some stuff that really helped me get used to the car and get the most out of the car, and then the team as a whole I think made a step up."
He's now targeting a main game debut next year through a PIRTEK Enduro Cup co-drive and possible wildcard entry.
Another year in the feeder class is on the cards either way, with Boys stating he has every intention of staying on with Image Racing, despite taking part in a recent Brad Jones Racing driver evaluation day.
"Locked and loaded is probably not the word, because I've got to chase financial backing as well, but I've got every intention of doing it again,” he said.
"If I could do some wildcards, obviously that'd be great, I think it's a great learning tool and hopefully a co-drive as well, I don't know where, but hopefully there's a spot somewhere."
Boys’ late surge propelled him to seventh in the championship standings, 15 positions better than he ended up in his rookie season.
