Feeney steps up full-time preparation in Gen3 test

It was a unique first day as a full-time Supercars driver for Broc Feeney, who completed test laps aboard the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Gen3 prototype.

Feeney was one of four Supercars drivers present at the first day of testing the updated Gen3 prototypes at Queensland Raceway on Monday. 

The 19-year-old has been installed as the retired Jamie Whincup's replacement at Red Bull Ampol Racing.

Along with new teammate Shane van Gisbergen, Feeney drove the Gen3 Camaro for the first time since the addition of suspension upgrades and anti-roll bars.

For Feeney, it was another key step forward in his fledgling career as he readies for his full-time debut in Newcastle.

"It's pretty awesome," the teenager told Supercars.com of his Monday laps.

"It's good to be back at work, and to be driving the Gen3 car today is awesome.

"Getting some laps in ahead of the season is always good too.

"Testing for us is about just getting miles under the belt in the new car and making sure everything's working right.

"There are plenty of things for us to change and develop, and get a better understanding of the car, but it certainly is very different.

"I’m feeling more comfortable doing some longer runs in the car. At the end of the day, you start to feel a little bit more at home as well.”

Feeney, who won the Super2 title last year, will make his full-time debut when the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship commences in Newcastle in March.

Earlier this month, the Gold Coaster was named one of Australia's 20 best young sports stars under 20 years old. 

Starting his new role with Red Bull Ampol Racing presents Feeney with the opportunity to make history.

A race win before August 21, 2022 will see Feeney unseat three-time champion Scott McLaughlin as the youngest race winner in Supercars history.

Feeney can also break Craig Lowndes’ youngest-ever champion record if he wins the title in 2022 and/or 2023.

For Feeney, the mere task of stepping up to the main game has yet to sink in.

"It is a little bit weird to think about it actually happening to be honest," Feeney explained.

"It's hard to think about that it's true, and it's actually happening.

"I don't think until I get to the first race, I’ll realise I'm a full-time driver, and probably when I keep racing every couple of weeks after that, but it's cool.

"It's what I've dreamed of, racing in the Supercars Championship and racing continuously.

"But to start it off by testing the 2023 cars is pretty awesome as well.

"To be a part of this, and be at Triple Eight when we are developing the cars for next year is going to be a pretty amazing year."

The prototypes will complete another day of testing on Tuesday, ahead of two further test days early next week. 

Both test days are open for public viewing at Queensland Raceway. 

The Gen3 Camaro and Mustang will make their racing debut in the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship.

On-track exhibitions of the Gen3 cars will be carried out at Supercars events throughout this year.

The 13-event 2022 Repco Supercars Championship will commence in Newcastle in March. Tickets for the event are on sale now.

CLICK HERE to view the 13-round draft 2022 calendar.