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Like most overnight success stories, underrated Queenslander Steve Ellery's rise to the highest echelons of the V8 Supercar world has been anything but meteoric. For seven years Ellery has toiled away in the category, largely under his own steam, and is only now reaping the rewards.
Since linking with Super Cheap Auto in 2000, his statue has risen. A maiden race win at Sandown Raceway followed, giving his team hope that the podium is well within their reach.
Last year, in a season of seemingly few highlights, Ellery ranked as the series' eighth-best driver - Ford's finest behind the rich Dick Johnson Racing outfit and freak rookie Marcos Ambrose.
Ellery's Gold Coast-based workshop is a humble abode, befitting of the small, tight-knit, family-oriented group that works so tirelessly on pushing their man to the front. The unpretentiousness of it all has worked tremendously in their favour. They love the thrill of the chase and relish their 'underdog' status.
Now in a position of strength, Ellery has been able to offer former Formula Ford champion Luke Youlden a permanent position with the team, testing the car and, perhaps, making the odd appearance in a second Super Cheap Auto Falcon later in the year. It can only enhance the team's reputation and performance.
He flies low under the radar, but Ellery's results now demand attention. Winning the big races is not beyond him.
