THE latest chapter of the rollercoaster narrative that is Erebus Motorsport’s 2024 takes in murmurs around a possible sale of the team.
As with a lot of the post-championship dramas attached to the Dandenong squad, there’s a web of rumours doing the rounds, making the job of deciphering fact from fiction no easy task.
So, let’s start with some basics. Erebus founder Betty Klimenko owns the team and, barring any unannounced changes, CEO Barry Ryan owns 50 percent of one of its two Teams Racing Charters (the TRC attached to the #99/#1 entry).
Klimenko has not made any recent public comment regarding a potential sale. She did express general frustration about Supercars late last year, but equally indicated she’s not going anywhere as a team owner and shared hopes for Erebus to be around for generations to come.
But her tune, at least regarding her individual involvement, may have since changed following months of scrutiny and turbulence.
Several weeks ago, the Motorsport News Podcast was first to flag the swirling talk of an Erebus sale, coming hot on the heels of the peace treaty negotiated by Paul Morris which led to Brodie Kostecki’s return to the cockpit.
Is the timing of the treaty and the sale rumours a coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. Truthfully, it’s hard to be completely sure just yet.
Either way, V8 Sleuth understands the wheels are in motion to at least entertain an approach. That’s not to say a deal is done or absolutely happening, but certainly a chance.
According to several sources, an agreement could be struck sooner than later. Some say by next month’s Darwin Triple Crown, if not sooner.
There’s also genuine talk of a consortium (as opposed to a solo party) hovering with intention to buy.
While various Queensland figures have inevitably been linked, the strongest mail relates to a South Australian influence.
Consistent with another media report today, V8 Sleuth understands Adelaide-based lighting company VAILO – and/or its CEO Aaron Hickmann – is tied to the consortium.
VAILO already has a presence in the Australian motorsport landscape as naming rights partner of the annual Adelaide 500.
Another consideration is whether or not a sale would increase Kostecki’s chances of re-committing to Erebus beyond the end of this year when his contact is up. Naturally, that would likely hinge on the ‘who’ coming into play.
Regardless of the lingering speculation, Erebus seems to be pressing on with the business-as-usual approach which has it third in the 2024 teams’ championship, as the Perth SuperSprint looms on May 17-19.
