FAST START
Car racing royalty Matt Brabham to drive Supercars
THE most famous name in Australian motorsport will return to the grid today with Matthew Brabham to make a shock Supercars debut.
The grandson of Formula One legend Sir Jack Brabham will begin his own Australian racing legacy, given the green light to strap down against the likes of Jamie Whincup and Shane van Gisbergen in a Lucas Dumbrell Racing Commodore at Barbagallo Raceway in Perth.
Dumbrell confirmed the third-generation Brabham, raised on the Gold Coast, would replace Taz Douglas.
“We just had it confirmed that he can race,’’ Dumbrell said yesterday.
“Taz had a pre-existing engagement and needs to be at a wedding so we approached Matt and we just had his racing licence approved for this weekend.
“It will happen and we are now getting ready for Matt to jump in and drive car No.3 for Repair Management Racing.”
Brabham, best known for racing in last year’s Indy 500, was set for a support series Stadium Super Truck this weekend before becoming Dumbrell’s surprise selection.
The son of Geoffrey, Brabham is the grandson of three-time world Formula One champion Sir Jack.
Dumbrell said he had not given the grandson-of-a-gun a start because of his name.
“In the most respectful way, I am not interested in his name but in his performance,’’ Dumbrell said.
“Yes, the family link is great, but at the end of the day that means nothing when you are out on the racetrack battling for position.
“No one is going to pull over and let him pass because of who he is related to.’’
Dumbrell tipped a tough initiation in what could also lead to an endurance round drive for Brabham.
“He is going to find out how difficult it is,’’ Dumbrell said.
“This is a tough category but he is looking forward to it and so are we.”
Dumbrell said Douglas would return for the next round at Winton later this month but declared Brabham could land himself a Bathurst 1000 drive with a solid outing in Perth this weekend.
“We do have an endurance drive open,’’ Dumbrell said.
“We will see how he performs this weekend and then think about it. We are hoping he jumps in and gets on the pace straight away.’’