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A significant Barry Ryan Supercars Update reveals a strategic shift within Erebus Motorsport, as CEO Barry Ryan steps back from his race engineering duties. This pivotal move is driven by the team’s successful recruitment of new talent, aiming to strengthen its engineering group and foster a collaborative environment focused on collective results. The change marks a new chapter for Erebus, signaling a renewed commitment to developing internal pathways and integrating fresh perspectives into its championship campaign. This development highlights the dynamic nature of top-tier motorsport, where continuous evolution in team structure is crucial for sustained success.
What is a Supercars race engineer, and why is their role so critical? The answer is, a Supercars race engineer is responsible for the performance and setup of a car, making critical decisions on strategy, suspension, aerodynamics, and tire management during race weekends. Their expertise directly impacts a team’s competitiveness.
Erebus Motorsport has announced Daniel Frencham, previously with Garry Rogers Motorsport’s Trans Am squad, will now work full-time alongside rookie Jobe Stewart on the 9 entry. Frencham initially joined Erebus as a data engineer late last year, showcasing the team’s strategy of nurturing talent from within and bringing in skilled professionals. This integration is designed to provide immediate support and long-term stability to the engineering roster, reinforcing the team’s commitment to high performance.
For much of the 2025 season, Barry Ryan himself took on the race engineering duties for the 9 Camaro, then driven by Jack Le Brocq, while the search for new talent was underway. This hands-on approach by the CEO underscored the importance of finding the right individuals to propel the team forward. His temporary return to the pit wall demonstrated the dedication required at every level of a Supercars team.
Aidan Graham, who competently engineered the 9 car for the final two events of 2025, will now revert to his regular and equally vital role as a data engineer. This structured approach allows specialists to focus on their core strengths, providing comprehensive support across the entire team. Erebus Motorsport’s decision to reassign Graham reflects a methodical optimization of its engineering resources.
Furthermore, the team has confirmed that Wayne Mackie will continue his partnership with Cooper Murray on the 99 side of the Erebus garage. This continuity is essential for building rapport and refining vehicle setups over multiple seasons, contributing significantly to a driver’s development and overall team cohesion. Such long-standing relationships are often key to consistent performance in Supercars.
How to become a Supercars engineer is a common question for aspiring motorsport professionals, and Erebus’s moves offer insights into potential pathways. Often, it involves gaining qualifications in mechanical or automotive engineering, followed by experience in lower racing categories or data analysis roles within established teams. Dedication, a strong understanding of vehicle dynamics, and the ability to work under pressure are paramount.
These confirmations follow recent changes to the team’s overall structure, including the appointment of veteran Dean Orr as team manager. This broader organizational overhaul indicates a comprehensive strategy to enhance operational efficiency and leadership across all departments. The objective is clear: to build a robust framework capable of delivering championship-winning results.
Barry Ryan emphasized the importance of a unified engineering group focused on collective team results. He stated, “Yes, race engineers are allocated to cars, but success comes from the whole group working together and pushing in the same direction.” This philosophy underscores a shift towards a more integrated and collaborative approach, moving beyond individual car performance to holistic team achievements.
Ryan also highlighted the value of recommendations, noting, “Daniel came recommended by Barry Rogers, and that matters. Just as importantly, we’re committed to backing our own people.” This dual strategy of leveraging industry connections while promoting internal talent is a cornerstone of Erebus’s development model. It ensures a blend of proven expertise and fresh perspectives.
Jobe Stewart, 21, expressed his enthusiasm for working with Frencham, noting that Erebus “doesn’t do things the obvious way.” He added, “Daniel’s come from a strong program and a great team. He’s been great to work with already and for me as a rookie, having that level of support and trust around you makes a big difference.” This sentiment highlights the positive impact of the new engineering structure on driver confidence and performance.
Cooper Murray also voiced his desire to build on his rookie season’s momentum, attributing his development to the support from Wayne Mackie and Erebus’s culture of opportunity. He remarked, “Erebus gives people opportunities, backs them, and expects you to grow. It’s why this team works, and why it’s had the success it has. Hopefully we can keep building on that in 2026.” This forward-looking perspective, anticipating the supercars 2026 season predictions, encapsulates the team’s ambition.
This latest Barry Ryan Supercars Update not only signals a new operational approach for Erebus Motorsport but also underscores the continuous evolution required in high-stakes professional racing. By strategically restructuring its engineering talent, Erebus aims to solidify its position as a formidable contender, with an eye firmly on future successes and championship glory. The focus remains on collaboration, talent development, and a relentless pursuit of performance.
