Akermanis dreams of V8 career
BRISBANE, Aug 16 AAP – Often accused of being a motormouth, controversial ex-AFL footballer Jason Akermanis will hope to do most of his talking on the race track when he chases his V8 Supercars dream in Sydney next weekend.
The self-confessed petrol head will contest the Aussie Racing Cars support category for Erebus Motorsport at Sydney’s V8 Supercars round from August 25-26.
Dumped for his outspoken ways by not one but two AFL clubs, the triple premiership player has kept busy with guest speaking gigs and one-off appearances for lower-tier football clubs around the country.
But it seems Akermanis wants to turn his love of all things motorsport into a profession.
“If we can show we’re good in lots of different cars, I hope that corporate support will translate to the next category up and I can have a go with those (V8) guys,” Akermanis told v8supercars.com.au.
“Who wouldn’t want to be in that category.
“We know V8s is all about talent. But you also need dollars.
“If you’re a guy who brings dollars and can compete well, that will help.”
Akermanis has dabbled before in racing – he finished third in his motorbike class in the Australian 8 Hour Endurance race at Phillip Island in late 2011.
And on four wheels Akermanis drove 10 laps in Mark Winterbottom’s Development Series car at Queensland Raceway in 2003.
“I think it will add a different dynamic to our organisation, for sure,” Erebus Motorsport CEO Ryan Maddison said.
“Aker’s a personality that is good to have in motorsport not only due to the fact he says what he thinks.
“But his sporting achievements in other arenas are without question.
“It’s great for the growth of Erebus Motorsport and Aussie Racing Cars that we are able to have Jason cross over his activities like this.
“Who knows where it may end up?”
Meanwhile, Australia’s IndyCar series leader Will Power has confirmed he will drive for Ford star Winterbottom’s team at the V8 Supercars Gold Coast 600 in October.
Power pulled out of last year’s Gold Coast round after suffering a back injury in a horror IndyCar crash that claimed the life of Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon.
“I am really looking forward to coming back to the Gold Coast this year as it is now the only chance I get to race in front of a local crowd,” Power said.
Publisher: AAPNewswire
16 Aug 9:31 PM
Follow us on: