Imagine stepping back in time, feeling the raw power of a classic open-wheeler beneath you... That's exactly what ex-Supercars star Will Davison is about to experience! But here's where it gets interesting: he's not just taking a casual spin. He's gearing up for a race!
Davison, formerly with Dick Johnson Racing, is slated to share a Toyota-powered Ralt RT-40 with none other than Greg Murphy at the prestigious Giltrap Group Historic GP weekend in New Zealand. This isn't just any race; it's a chance to relive a golden era of motorsport.
Davison got his first taste of the Ralt during official practice, and he didn't hold back! He topped the second session, proving he's still got the open-wheel magic despite his years focusing on Supercars. Talk about making a statement!
The current plan is for Murphy to handle the racing duties on Saturday, with Davison taking over the controls for Sunday morning's race. It's a classic tag-team approach, blending experience and fresh enthusiasm.
Now, Davison isn't a stranger to open-wheel racing. He carved out a successful early career, winning the Australian Formula Ford Championship and then venturing into Formula 3 in Europe. He even gained experience in A1GP and had the incredible opportunity to test a Minardi Formula 1 car. And this is the part most people miss... this diverse background makes him uniquely suited to handle the challenges of a historic open-wheeler.
But what makes this particular opportunity so special for Davison? It's deeply personal. He admitted that the chance to drive an Atlantic car is incredibly exciting, specifically because of his father Richard's history in the category. "I feel like an excited kid, to be honest," Davison said, highlighting his enthusiasm. "I’m just very grateful to have a steer of this beautiful RT-40 that Murph is driving."
He further explained, "As a kid, my dad always told me his favourite race car was his [Formula] Pacific/Atlantic] RT-4 Ralt. I watched so many videos as a kid of the early-80s, mid-80s Australian Grands Prix. I’ve always been hanging for a drive, so that was a real buzz." It's a dream come true, fueled by family history and a lifelong passion.
However, adapting to a high-aero open-wheeler after years in Supercars wasn't without its challenges. Davison humorously recounted, "I took off and I had no knee pads on and Murph said, ‘you’re in a bit of strife, mate’." The physical demands are significant. "It’s physical. The aero load with the little ground effect cars, it’s quite bumpy here and it’s very heavy in the wheel when that aero kicks in. So it’s just learning to trust that again."
He added, "I was chipping away at it. Fast little cars, nimble little cars. And you certainly feel that aero, they are very, very impressive. Nice note to the engine, revving it out to 9000rpm, using the H-pattern. Magic little car." It's a testament to the enduring appeal of these classic racing machines.
Interestingly, Davison's primary reason for being in New Zealand is to support his wife, Riana Crehan, who is part of the TV broadcast team for the NextGen NZ Championship. This race outing came as a pleasant surprise.
“However I fit in, I’m just stoked to be here supporting this NextGen series,” he said. “It’s an amazing initiative, I’ve watched from afar from across the ditch for many years with all of these amazing young kids from Europe, and local Kiwis, we know how good they brew them here, all racing in [the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy].”
“And the health behind the historic scene here is something we can aspire to in Australia.” This highlights the vibrant motorsport culture in New Zealand and its commitment to both nurturing young talent and preserving racing history.
“Maybe I’ll do a race Sunday morning. I’ll let Murph take the wheel [on Saturday], he sort of mentioned I could do the race Sunday morning. Whatever fits in with everyone. It’s nice to not be too stressed. I’d love another skid, to be honest. I was just getting warmed up at the end there.”
It's worth noting that the Historic GP weekend also includes the second of four rounds of the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy (CTFROT), showcasing the future stars of motorsport alongside the historic machinery.
Here's a potentially controversial point: Some might argue that Davison's Supercars experience gives him an unfair advantage in a historic race. Others might say that his open-wheel background makes him a perfect fit. What do you think? Does prior professional experience enhance or detract from the spirit of historic racing? Should there be different categories or limitations to ensure fair competition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
