SUPERCARS REV UP FOR MUSICAL CHAIRS

A FLEET of rookies are set to descend on the Supercars grid in 2018 as Russell Ingall warns that several underperforming drivers are in for a rude shock.

Talk around the Supercars scene has pointed to as many as six first-year drivers competing full-time in Australia’s premier motorsport category next season.

Ingall says it’s about time. The 2005 champion has been impressed by a number of rising co-drivers’ efforts at Sandown and Bathurst and expects the influx of youth to soar further.

“There is a few kids from overseas that are starting to run out of money – they have got talent but not the money – they will come back,” he said.

“And I think there is a few drivers that have probably been a little lucky that they have kept their drive because there hasn’t been anyone to replace them, so the teams are going, ‘oh well … we’ll just re-sign you’. “There is a few who probably should be replaced. There is a lot who have been in the category for a long time and got no results. If you are just doing it for the autograph sessions and to get your name in the paper every now and again, well that ain’t good enough. You have got to win.” While 2016 Bathurst champion Will Davison’s future is in doubt, Ingall’s comments appear to be directed at the likes of James Moffat, Dale Wood and Tim Blanchard.

The trio have all long been in the series full-time without once cracking the top 15 in the end of year standings. The Bulletin understands the following scenarios are possibilities in a busy upcoming silly season:

● Former GP2 winner Richie Stanaway to Prodrive Racing Australia, replacing Jason Bright (pictured).

● Bright to take his Racing Entitlement Contract (REC) to Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport, who in turn would sell their second REC to PRA.

● Budget issues to force Davison out of Tekno Autosports, with sponsor-aligned duo Todd Hazelwood and Jack Le Brocq (pictured) the favourites to replace him.

● Anton De Pasquale to Erebus Motorsport, replacing Dale Wood.

● Garry Rogers Motorsport prodigy James Golding to oust Moffat.

● Macauley Jones (pictured) to Brad Jones Racing if the team’s third car REC holder Blanchard steps back.

● Potentially another seat becoming available with murmurs Nissan coboss Todd Kelly is considering retiring.

● Off-contract Gold Coaster Tim Slade likely to be re-signed by BJR.

With teams set to move soon the Gold Coast could be crucial to the incumbents fighting for their future and rookies out to prove their worth.