Silly Season 2024

[skaifeman]

Waters has probably already emailed his resume!

Is he good enough for 888 though? 

It's hilarious reading the bowtie boys posts, that all the Ford drivers are just not good enough this season. Yet when the possibility of the best seat in Supercars opens up. Their first thoughts go to a Ford driver. 

It's only been two saying that, on this site at least.

Who's the best of the off-contract? Erebus, DJR, Chaz, Heimgartner all locked up. Waters even seems murky with Tim Edwards saying he's theirs.
Pye? Randle? Hazelwood? Golding? Doubt Reynolds fits the 888 ethics (as LG puts it). Waters is really their best, and almost only bet.

[SetonFan]

I saw suggested that Percat could be left field suggestion - he could reunite with Andrew Edwards and be a very cheap option as a supporting driver to Feeney who will likely become the lead driver.

[stevo qld]

I would be amazed if Percat was under consideration at 888.

He would be better described as a "mid" field rather than "left" field driver.

I would also be surprised if Waters gets the gig, He is undoubtedly fast, but is erratic in his racecraft.

There are a few really excellent drivers in Super 2 and I would think that would be Whincup's thinking, although Golding would be a chance when considering the 888/Xiberras personnel interchanges. Remember that Xiberras actually owned 2022 888 cars and maybe 2023 cars.

Realistically, most top 10 drivers are either committed to their current team or a too old to look at a 5-year plan, or are moving down the driver's ladder, not up.

[skaifeman]

Interesting take on Waters.
Was SVG not erratic when going to 888?

[mikeamerica84]

I'll think outside of the box.  Now bear in mind that this is all a domino effect IF Shane comes state-side:

How about Lowndes?  For one year.  Then use 2024 to contractually sign your next young gun to the seat.  At the end of 2024, who's contract is THEN up?

Good banter.  Glad SVG won Chicago.  Had he shunted it and went out early, this thread would be a lot more boring. 

[djr18fan]

Stanaway is contracted to 888. Could be an option.

[Troy01505]

Waters has probably already emailed his resume!

Is he good enough for 888 though? 

It's hilarious reading the bowtie boys posts, that all the Ford drivers are just not good enough this season. Yet when the possibility of the best seat in Supercars opens up. Their first thoughts go to a Ford driver. 

Waters would be stupid not to send his resume but he would be far from my first choice, I'd rather see him team up with Chaz or DJR.

I'd prefer a rookie at Triple 8.

Percat isn't Triple 8 material, I was surprised he was signed to his current drive

[stevo qld]

It's hilarious reading the bowtie boys posts, that all the Ford drivers are just not good enough this season. Yet when the possibility of the best seat in Supercars opens up. Their first thoughts go to a Ford driver. 

Well, frankly, there is not one of the current non-rookie Ford drivers that I would even consider good enough for 888 to choose. Most are old or past their best, or their best was simply not good enough.

There is some real talent out there in Super 2 and TA2 and even one of the rookies that I would consider, and possibly Golding.

Stanaway could be in the frame if he co-drives well in the enduros.

[mikeamerica84]

Stanaway is contracted to 888. Could be an option.

If this whole SVG-to-NASCAR thing happens, wouldn't it be amazing if Richie lands in that seat?  I can remember his issues from years back, like when he missed the drivers' autograph session and Supercars sat him down.  Chris Pither replaced him for a round. 

[AlbertM]

It's hilarious reading the bowtie boys posts, that all the Ford drivers are just not good enough this season. Yet when the possibility of the best seat in Supercars opens up. Their first thoughts go to a Ford driver. 

Well, frankly, there is not one of the current non-rookie Ford drivers that I would even consider good enough for 888 to choose. Most are old or past their best, or their best was simply not good enough.

You'd be passing up some good talent and experience. Mostert, Waters, Davison and De Pasquale are the only drivers to score wins other than 888 last year.

[Bloopy]

The great thing about Stanaway is that they get to see how fast he is in one of their cars this year.

[stevo qld]

It's hilarious reading the bowtie boys posts, that all the Ford drivers are just not good enough this season. Yet when the possibility of the best seat in Supercars opens up. Their first thoughts go to a Ford driver. 

Well, frankly, there is not one of the current non-rookie Ford drivers that I would even consider good enough for 888 to choose. Most are old or past their best, or their best was simply not good enough.

You'd be passing up some good talent and experience. Mostert, Waters, Davison and De Pasquale are the only drivers to score wins other than 888 last year.

Seriously, we are discussing 2024, not 2022,

SVG may still stay for 2024, so the change may not be until 2025.

888 would like to find a driver who will be with them for a few years or longer.

Mostert would be a good choice, but big international drives are increasingly likely with WAU contacts.

Waters has indicated he wants to race in USA.

Davison is a driver that I rate highly, but he is approaching the end of a long fulltime career.

De Pasquale showed early promise and can still win, but I would still not rate him top of the 888 choices.

[AlbertM]

I can't talk about a drivers actual experience and achievement? OK, lets use your logic.  SVG is 4th in the championship. He's washed up, past his best. Feeny doesn't have championship but won a couple of races. Clearly not good enough for 888 in 2024.

Now you've moved your goal post on Mostert and Waters. Now it's not about their age or talent. It's because of some future commitments you pulled out of your ass. But don't dare bring up what actually happened in 2022.

I thought I was biased. 

[hsv8fan]

After the 888 call today. I will suggest SVG is gone next year

[stevo qld]

I can't talk about a drivers actual experience and achievement? OK, lets use your logic.  SVG is 4th in the championship. He's washed up, past his best. Feeny doesn't have championship but won a couple of races. Clearly not good enough for 888 in 2024.

Now you've moved your goal post on Mostert and Waters. Now it's not about their age or talent. It's because of some future commitments you pulled out of your ass. But don't dare bring up what actually happened in 2022.

I thought I was biased. 

This is about a replacement for SVG, not a driver's ability contest.