Supercars 2023: Erebus Motorsport star Will Brown to join Triple Eight move to replace SvG

The Supercars silly season has kicked into overdrive with NASCAR-bound Shane van Gisbergen’s replacement locked in. See what he had to say here.

Erebus Motorsport has agreed to release Will Brown from his contract for next year, paving the way for the championship challenger to join title rivals Triple Eight as a replacement for the NASCAR-bound Shane van Gisbergen.

In a dramatic silly-season development, Erebus confirmed Brown’s early exit from the series-leading squad at the end of the 2023 season.

Brown this week emerged as a shock contender to replace van Gisbergen, despite being under contract with Erebus until the end of next year.

Triple Eight is yet to confirm Brown’s signing, saying van Gisbergen remained contracted with the team for next year.

Will Brown. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images.

However, the New Zealand ace’s exit from the powerhouse squad and the Australian series appears a formality as he finalises his NASCAR plans for 2024.

Erebus said in a statement it had been an “amicable agreement” to release Brown a year early from his contract to allow him to “explore new opportunities”.

“Will has been a part of our team for almost six years and while we are disappointed to see him go, it will be business as usual for the remainder of 2023,” Erebus chief executive Barry Ryan said.

“Our combined focus is on securing both titles and building Erebus to be the best team in pit lane.”

Triple Eight boss Jamie Whincup had been tight lipped about who would replace Shane van Gisbergen. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Brown said it was a decision he had not taken lightly, but added he remained focused on trying to win the championship for Erebus this year.

“It’s been an incredible journey with Erebus and I’m grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had with the team,” said Brown, who signed with Erebus in 2017.

“This decision wasn’t taken lightly and I want to thank Erebus, the entire team, sponsors and fans for their support during my time here.

“I’ll be giving my all in the remaining races and remain 100 per cent committed to our joint goal of winning the drivers’ and team’s championship with Erebus in 2023.”

Triple Eight has not yet confirmed Brown’s switch to the team, saying in a statement:

“Shane is still a contracted driver with Triple Eight until advised otherwise,” the team said.

“If this changes, it will be communicated by the team.”

Shane van Gisbergen is NASCAR bound. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images.

The shock move comes as the 25-year-old Toowoomba pilot sits firmly in title contention this season, only 41 points behind Erebus teammate Brodie Kostecki in the drivers’ standings.

It is Triple Eight’s drivers van Gisbergen and Broc Feeney who Kostecki and Brown are locked in a tight battle with for this year’s championship. Only 67 points separates the four drivers.

Van Gisbergen was under contract with Triple Eight for 2024, but team boss Jamie Whincup vowed not to stand in his way if an opportunity to make a full-time switch to racing in the US presented itself after he put his name in lights with a stunning debut NASCAR win in July.

The Kiwi star is in Indianapolis this weekend for his second NASCAR Cup Series start as he aims to launch a racing career in the United States.

Brown has stamped himself as one of the rising stars in Supercars, having won an equal season-high four wins, and three poles so far in 2023. He is only in his third full-time season in Supercars, having made his main game debut in 2021.

Brown’s release now leaves a vacancy to be filled at Erebus Motorsport alongside Kostecki.