Supercars news: Erebus Motorsport chief Barry Ryan apologises for live TV outburst

The Erebus Motorsport chief made his feelings known about Shane van Gisbergen’s last-lap passing move on Will Brown. Now he’s publicly apologised and hit out at online trolls in the process.

Series leading Erebus Motorsport chief Barry Ryan has issued a public apology for his swear-laden outburst on live television at the Sydney night race as he took aim at online trolls targeting his star driver Will Brown and the team.

Ryan landed himself in trouble with officials after Saturday’s night race at Sydney Motorsport Park after he fumed live on air at Shane van Gisbergen’s last-lap passing move on Brown before the Triple Eight star was hit with a time penalty for the bump-and-run.

The Erebus chief executive was fined $5000 - half of which was suspended - and ordered to perform motorsport community service for repeatedly swearing and engaging in what the Motorsport Australia stewards described as “conduct prejudicial to the event”.

Ryan will have to sit in race control with officials at the next Super2 round at Sandown as part of his punishment for his on-air blow-up.

“Shane can’t keep f***ing doing that, it’s bullsh*t,” Ryan raged on the live broadcast.

“He hit him up the arse and he passed him - you can’t do that. So we’re going to make sure that he gets done this time, and not let off, because we’re sick of it”.

Erebus Motorsport chief Barry Ryan. Picture: Mark Stewart

In an open letter to fans on Wednesday, Ryan said he had realised his outburst was “uncalled for”, but said his passion would never waver.

“I am writing to apologise for my regrettable language during the post-race interview after race 18 at Sydney Motorsport Park on Saturday night,” Ryan wrote.

“In the heat of the moment, whilst we had secured the win with Brodie, we desperately wanted to make sure we beat our main competitors for the championship with both cars.

“However, I realise that my outburst was uncalled for and in the future I will try to respond more carefully. My passion will never waver, though I want to apologise for the language used and the distress it may have caused.

“I want to acknowledge the decision made by Motorsport Australia officials regarding the penalty for the bump and run on Will. It is evident that such actions, involving front-to-rear contract to gain advantage, are unacceptable in any form of motorsport, including NASCAR.

“The side-by-side racing with other cars in the closing stages was remarkable, and I commend the drivers and their ability to race like that whilst still racing cleanly and fairly.”

Ryan also hit out at online bullies and the “hate” directed towards Brown and the team after Saturday night’s dramatic finish.

Will Brown in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Picture: Getty Images

“Lastly, I would like to address the concerning issue of online bullying,” Ryan said.

“While I personally choose not to be on social media, I am appalled by some of the messages I have seen directed at our team, Will and myself.

“Will did nothing to deserve the hate he received online. No one deserves to be subjected to abuse and unfair treatment, especially from the anonymity of the online world.

“We understand these comments also come from passion, though we need to be more considerate, not just towards each other, but also to our families and friends who read the comments.

“Our team is fully committed to winning the team’s and driver’s championship, and nothing is going to stop us from pursuing those goals.”

Erebus is locked in a fierce battle with Triple Eight for this year’s Supercars championship.

Brodie Kostecki leads the championship from Brown, with van Gisbergen 54 points off the series lead in third position.