CLAY Richards has cut laps in a Supercar for the first time as he plots a move into the 2024 Dunlop Series.
Richards took part in an Image Racing evaluation today at Calder Park, utilising a Ford FG Falcon.
In addition to Image boss Terry Wyhoon, the likes of father Steve Richards, Jordan Boys and Barry Ryan were on hand for the occasion.
“It was a big eye-opener for me,” Richards Jr told V8 Sleuth.
“It was a lot different to what I thought it would be, but at the same time, it was just unreal to drive.
“It was really like a childhood dream come true for me.”
Asked how it differed to expectation, the 23-year-old explained: “Early on in the year I drove an S5000 at the GRM Combine and I suppose I thought it would be a bit similar to that.
“But with the S5000, you don’t rely a lot on your braking to make up your time while in the Supercar today, braking was the biggest way to make up or lose time.
“I think for me, that was pretty interesting to get my head around.
“But even on the exit as well, the cars do bump into wheelspin a lot easier than I thought as well, obviously being a high-powered V8 car.
“There was a whole lot of different things that I needed to adjust to in order to get the lap time out of it, but at the same time it was a really enjoyable day and I have got to thank Terry Wyhoon from Image Racing for giving me the opportunity to drive the car.
“It’s been a mega day.”
Richards’ day began with a road car tour of Calder to acquaint himself with the revived Victorian circuit, and he went on to complete roughly 30 laps in the FG, with plenty of opportunity for feedback and data analysis along the way.
It’s all good preparation for a potential move into the Dunlop Series.
“The next step for me ideally is to go and race in a Supercar and it’s great to get as many laps as possible before – nothing is confirmed yet – but before whatever happens,” he said.
“It’s good to familiarise yourself earlier than later, so that’s sort of what this day was mostly about, just familiarising myself with how to drive a Supercar and what it’s like.
“Next year we would definitely like to do something like Super3 or Super2.”
Richards’ racing activities this year included competing in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia 86 Series and making a couple of TCR Australia round starts.
