Red Bull Ampol Racing has named 18-year-old Broc Feeney as Jamie Whincup’s replacement for the 2022 season.
Whincup had previously announced this year would be his last as a full-time driver, as he steps into his new role as Managing Director of the team.
Feeney has signed a multi-year deal to partner reigning Bathurst champion Shane van Gisbergen. He currently leads second-tier Super2 series after the first three rounds.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for me to be replacing ‘The GOAT’, Jamie Whincup. It’s so surreal for me at the moment, but I think it will start to kick in at the start of next year,” Feeney said.
“To be aligned with this amazing team in my Super2 season and to be promoted into the main series is a dream come true. To be honest, I always wanted to get to Supercars, but to be behind the wheel of a Red Bull Ampol Racing machine is pretty exciting.
“I knew at the start of the year that there was an opportunity to replace Jamie, and it all depended on how my results went this year. This now feels like a big reward.”
Feeney said the news came as a surprise when team boss Roland Dane approached him.
“When Roland told me the news I was in shock. He explained everything to me and basically asked how it sounded – I said it sounded bloody awesome!
“I got out of that meeting and rang my parents straight away. It was such a big relief as we’ve all put in so much effort the last few years, and it’s a day I’ll never forget.”
Whincup, who is still in contention for an eighth Supercars championship, explained the decision to go with a rookie.
“I think some people will look at this decision and think we would have gone in an ‘established driver’ direction, but we’re not a team that takes things conservatively,” he said.
“We take risks at Triple Eight, we’re on the front foot and we have a crack and lead with our gut feel, and it seemed right to give Broc the opportunity.
“Of course, there’s an element of skill, but more importantly than that, certainly for me, is you need someone with good morals and a good attitude who knows the definition of hard work.
“Broc ticks all of those boxes, but now it’s up to us to make sure we give him a fantastic car and build a fantastic team around him.”
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