Richards eyes next step after Clay's Supercars debut

Clay Richards is aiming for Supercars, and Bathurst legend — and dad — Steven is impressed by the early signs after the third-generation driver’s first laps.

Clay, 23, lapped a Ford FG Falcon at an Image Racing evaluation day at Calder Park on Wednesday.

The third-generation driver, who has raced the likes of Toyota 86 and TCR Australia in 2023, turned laps under the watchful eye of Image boss Terry Wyhoon, Erebus Motorsport CEO Barry Ryan and driver Jordan Boys.

“It was a great day. Like every young guy who goes racing, they live to try and get the opportunity one day,” Steven told Supercars.com.

“Jordan was actively involved; he benchmarked the car to give them data to look at, giving them tips and insight, which was really good.

“There was no expectation, he just went out there and drove. It was an opportunity to do some laps, provide feedback to engineers, bank the advice given, and try and improve next time out."

Richards junior completed approximately 30 laps of Calder, in what was his first experience of the iconic Melbourne circuit.

The Falcon was a big step up in power and aero versus his Toyota 86, but Richards acclimatised quickly, something that impressed Wyhoon.

“Clay had never been to Calder to drive before, but he settled in pretty quickly,” Steven said.

“The day was for the drivers to see what it takes to be a Supercar driver, and he did really well.

"I had a brief chat with Terry last night, he said all three blokes acquitted themselves really well, which is great."

From here, the aim is first rising into the Dunlop Series, which has seen several young drivers debut in 2023 to great success.

Notably, Image driver Jobe Stewart is eyeing the Super3 title, with third-gen drivers Jett Johnson and Cameron McLeod also showing impressive pace in their first seasons in Supercars.

The Richards name is as famous as they come in motorsport, but Steven is keen to help Clay pave his own path as he chases the main game.

“We understand the level of funding required, it’s the challenge every young driver faces, we’re no different,” Richards said.

“We feel like the Supercars feeder series is the next step, naturally every young driver wants to be in the big show.

“From here on in, we’ll work hard to fill the gaps and see what we can do next year."