Testing times for two Super Cheap hopefuls
18/12/2001 11:47 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Quiet-achieving Queenslander, Steven Ellery is looking for a companion on the V8 Supercar circuit.
Ellery is implementing plans to expand his modest Gold Coast-based V8 Supercar garage to include a second Falcon in 2003, for a young upstart. And the audition process has already begun.
The first two drivers from Ellery’s casting couch, Owen Kelly and Luke Youlden, will test with the team at Queensland Raceway later today.
Other drivers will be tested over the coming months, before Ellery chooses the driver he’ll foster into the sport next year.
The program will include becoming a professional test driver for the Super Cheap outfit next season, a guaranteed drive in the endurance events (though not necessarily as Ellery’s partner), and taking the reigns of the second car when it comes on-line. Ellery is asking the successful candidate to move to Queensland and work closely with the team throughout the season.
“We’re looking for someone who will slot well into the team,” 27-year-old Ellery said.
“It won’t necessarily just be the fastest guy on track but rather someone who goes about their business in a professional way, they’d have to be kind on the car and be committed to the team and the opportunities we give them.
“These two (Kelly and Youlden) are the bright stars in a big group of potentials. We’ve been thinking about who might fit the team since Bathurst and Owen and Luke are our first choices.”
24-year-old Kelly was a Class of ‘98 Holden Young Lion – as was Ellery – before joining Paul Morris’ outfit for selected races of the Super Touring series and the V8 Bathurst 1000 last year. This year, he was a round winner on the Konica Series circuit (aboard a John Faulkner Racing Commodore) and went on to finish fourth in the championship.
Youlden, 23, clinched the national Formula Ford title last year, earning a drive with the Castrol Perkins operation in the endurance events. He won the GT-Production championship in a Holden Astra earlier this year, and again campaigned a Castrol Commodore for Larry Perkins at the Queensland 500 and Bathurst V8 1000.
Ellery said he had no doubt both drivers would be up to the task.
“It’s an exciting step in the future of Super Cheap Auto Racing and it will be a terrific opportunity for us to help some of our future superstars,” he said.
“This year has been so outstanding for us and with the added focus on development I have no doubt we will be looking at podium spots in season 2002.”
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