Baby driver

THE GREATEST-EVER SUPERCARS DRIVER IS RETIRING, SO HOW DID AN 18-YEAR-OLD P-PLATER FROM THE GOLD COAST EARN THE RIGHT TO FILL JAMIE WHINCUP’S SHOES? BROC FEENEY EXPLAINS HIMSELF

- DAMION SMY

IMAGINE REPLACING Muhammad Ali. Or Mick Jagger. That’s the daunting scenario debutante Broc Feeney is facing when he replaces the imperious Jamie Whincup, statistically Supercars GOAT, for 2022. While 38-year-old Whincup polarises fans, his staggering success is undeniable: the most championships, wins, fastest laps, podiums, and four Bathurst victories. No other driver comes close, so is teenage Feeney ‘The New Whincup’?

“I’m not comparing myself to anyone; I want to be Broc Feeney!” says the Gold Coast born-and-raised teenager only half-jokingly. “Hopefully one day I can say that I won a championship, and hopefully a Bathurst 1000.”

Speaking to Wheels, Feeney exudes confidence and maturity yet with pleasant youthful enthusiasm. There’s self-belief, sure, yet no arrogance about him, despite his conquering all-comers to land the most coveted race seat in this country.

Broc Feeney was born on October 18th, 2002 – the same year Whincup made his Supercars debut – and spent his 18th birthday driving to 10th place at his first Bathurst 1000. The name Broc, by the way, is derived from his mother’s maiden name, not a tribute to the late, great Peter Brock. The young racer gets that question a lot.