Feeney lives the dream
Idol becomes co-driver
BROC Feeney used to deck himself out in Triple Eight merchandise as a kid because of Jamie Whincup.
Now, the 19-year-old Supercars rookie is plotting a Bathurst 1000 assault alongside his childhood racing hero this weekend at Mount Panorama.
In the ultimate master and apprentice tale, seven-time series champion Whincupturned Triple Eight team boss will make his return behind the wheel following his retirement from full-time driving at the end of last year to partner firstyear Supercars racer Feeney.
But it’s Whincup who will be playing the support role as Feeney’s co-driver.
Feeney said it was a dream to be able to drive alongside Whincup, a four-time Bathurst champion who is considered the Supercars GOAT.
“It’s pretty incredible to think that I actually get to drive with Jamie,” Feeney said.
“I remember going to the Gold Coast (race) back in the day and buying the Red Bull Racing Australia merch.
“I have supported Jamie for a long time. Growing up, he was the guy that was dominating so it’s quite easy to go for the guy that’s winning.
“I remember going and buying the merch because of Jamie and going to watch him on the Gold Coast. It’s crazy to think how times have changed.
“There is no co-driver in this duo. We have two main drivers and I think I have the best co-driver on the grid.”
Now at home with the headphones on in the garage calling the shots, Whincup said his role this weekend was to support Feeney as a co-driver rather than to mentor him.
“I feel like I’ve got to make sure that I am there as the codriver,” Whincup said.
“I am not there as his manager, I am not there as someone that has won a few races – like I’m the established guy and he’s the rookie – I’m there as Broc’s co-driver and his teammate.
“And I will be doing everything I possibly can to get us in the best position so he can bring the car home strong.”
This weekend will be Feeney’s third start in the Bathurst 1000 after co-driving for James Courtney in 2020 and teaming up with Russell Ingall in a Triple Eight wildcard last year.
In his first season in Supercars, Feeney is sixth in the Supercars championship with two podiums in a season Whincup said had “shown some spark”.
Whincup was bullish about the pair’s chances. “I don’t commit to anything unless we can do the job,” Whincup said.
“I’ll let the bookies work out where we rate with the odds … but I don’t lack any confidence.
“We’ll put our heads down. We’ll have the equipment to do the job, let’s put it that way.
“It’s just going to be up to the 88 crew to put their best foot forward and work together with the 97 crew and try to get both cars right there at the end of the race.”