While 2013 marks the beginning of a new era in V8 Supercars racing, this year also marks a significant change for veterans of motorsport, Ross and Jimmy Stone.
Stone Brothers Racing (SBR) will now be known as Erebus Motorsport with owner Betty Klimenko in the V8 Supercars process of purchasing one of SBR’s Racing Entitlement Contracts (REC). The second SBR REC will be leased by Erebus Motorsport for the next two years before taking over ownership on 1 January 2015.
SBR Team Principal, Ross Stone said the sale of SBR and its REC signifies an exciting change for him, his brother and their team.
“Jimmy and I have enjoyed many years of racing in the V8 Supercars category and over the last 18 years we worked hard to build the team that we have today.
“Jimmy and I believe the timing is right and Betty and Erebus Motorsport have provided us with an opportunity to ensure that it continues racing for many more years to come.
“Nothing will change in terms of the day-to-day running of the business. I will still be working very closely with Erebus’ CEO Ryan Maddison and will still be attending each and every race event on the calendar, so you can’t get rid of me that easily.
“Jimmy plans to work with his son Matt Stone in his development series team. Brothers usually have ups and downs but I’m proud to say the Jimmy and I have never had a serious argument in all the time we have worked together.
“We have had a really strong relationship, even after everything we have been through, and I know he is just around the corner if I ever need anything.
“I’m also proud to say that during this time of transition no staff member has chosen to leave,” said Stone.
This morning in a message to her Facebook supporters, Erebus Motorsport Owner Betty Klimenko proudly and enthusiastically wrote:
“This morning I would like to thank Ross and Jimmy Stone for bringing SBR to our shores and for the many years of truly exciting racing, they have given us. I would like to thank them for all the help and guidance they have given me and my CEO Ryan Maddison during this transition.
“It is not easy when a name so well known in Australian V8s, and a part of its racing history, will no longer be seen across the top of the garages, but to go forward and not carry that history would be a travesty.
“When fans walk along the pits in Adelaide for the first time in 2013 and they don’t see the SBR sign, I think there will be some sad faces. I know mine will be, but to see Erebus Motorsport , for me will be amazing, so it will be a bitter sweet time.
“Ross and Jimmy thank you so much for allowing me to carry on your legacy, thank you for spending time with me and to make sure I understand what I am getting into. Stone Brothers is a true icon in Australian motor racing history,” said Klimenko.
Erebus Motorsport CEO, Ryan Maddison said:
“We are delighted to be starting the 2013 season with such an important announcement and we have a number of other major announcements to make before the first event in Adelaide in February.
“There is a really good energy around the workshop, the team is diligently working around the clock to ensure our first Mercedes-Benz E63 AMGV8 Supercars make it on track at February’s test day in Sydney.
“2013 is going to be a remarkable year for our team and the sport. We are looking forwarding to achieving many milestones and I thank Ross and Jimmy for giving Erebus Motorsport the opportunity to be part of the team’s next chapter in V8 Supercars racing.
“We look forward to contributing to the success and future of V8 Supercars.”
