Motorsport: Erebus announces historic first all-women mechanic team

David Reynolds during practice for the V8 Supercars Clipsal 500. Photo / Getty Images

Erebus Motorsport V8 are pleased to announce a historic moment in Supercars, as new ground is forged with the crew on the Erebus Motorsport run car of Aaren Russell. For the first time in pit lane there will be a female number 1 and 2 mechanic combination working together.

The new structure has come through internal promotion and sees Frances Buckley moving up from the number 2 role to be the number 1 mechanic for the Plus Fitness Racing Holden.

Frances relocated from her home in New Zealand to join the team earlier this year. "I've been working in motor sport for a while now and it was awesome to get the opportunity to join Erebus Motorsport earlier this year. It's been a quick learning curve for the whole team after we came together fairly late before the season and I'm very appreciative of the opportunity to take over the number 1 mechanic role."

Frances has an extensive background in both international and national motor sport previously working in the Blancpain Endurance Series and British GT as well as home grown series such as the V8 Super Tourers, NZ V8's and Toyota Racing Series.

The number 2 mechanic position will now be filled by Bonnie Beard who has been working between the Erebus Motorsport Ute and GT programs for the previous 18 months.

"I've really enjoyed learning on the Utes and GT cars and I'm excited to make the transition into the Supercar crew. The intensity and closeness of the racing and quick turn around in between sessions is something I can't wait for. I'm up for the challenge that's for sure."

Female mechanics are not a new occurrence at Erebus Motorsport having previously had Supercars first female mechanic Janelle Navarro at the team during the 2014 season.

Team owner Betty Klimenko, herself the first female owner in pit lane, is delighted with today's announcement. "We have two wonderful people filling these roles, the fact they are both women is a coincidence. I feel that Frances and Bonnie will work well together and be an asset to the number 4 car."

The internal promotions also see previous number 1 mechanic for Car 4 Dennis Huijser move into the role of Crew Chief in support of Team Manager Joe Sasso.

Erebus Motorsport will next race in Darwin on the June 17-19.