Dean Canto to replace Ash Walsh at Phillip Island

Dean Canto to replace Ash Walsh at the WD-40 Phillip Island Super Sprint
Dean Canto will replace Ash Walsh in the #4 Erebus Motorsport E63 AMG at the WD-40 Phillip Island Super Sprint. Photo: Erebus Motorsport

Dean Canto will replace rookie Ash Walsh at Erebus Motorsport for this weekend’s WD-40 Phillip Island Super Sprint.

The move which is supported by Walsh, has been made in an effort to step up development of the team’s E63 AMGs, which have struggled for consistent pace this season.

Walsh, who currently sits 25th in the championship standings with a season-best finish to date of eighth at the Clipsal 500, will be assisting Canto and the team from the garage throughout the weekend.

Canto, who raced in this year’s Pirtek Enduro Cup events alongside David Reynolds at Prodrive Racing, has previously worked with Erebus co-driving the SLS AMG GT 3 at this year’s Bathurst 12-Hour, and has over 160 race starts to his name.

“When I was approached by the team to see if I could help out at Phillip Island I grabbed the chance,” said Canto.

“As a race car driver, you jump at the opportunity to get into a car so I was more than happy to help out and do my bit.

“I’ve worked with Barry (Ryan) at the 12-Hour, and with Campbell (Little) in the past, so there are a few familiar faces at the team which is always good.

“It’s an opportunity to help out the team and Ash, but also it works both ways, and I’m happy to be in a race car for the weekend.”

Erebus Motorsport general manager Barry Ryan said the decision to bring in Canto was taken with Walsh’s best interests in mind.

“In order to operate at the highest level in this Series, there can be no substitute for hardened race miles which was key to selecting Canto,” said Ryan.

“We are working with Ash to improve results both for him and for the team.”

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