Supercars Championship set for a shock General Motors driver shake-up heading into finals

Credit: Declan Fraser via Instagram

This afternoon, news broke for a shock mid-season driver swap between Erebus Motorsport and Premi Air Racing, all in the lead up to finals. 

Cooper Murray is set to depart Erebus Motorsport, effective immediately, ahead of the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 next weekend. Murray will head to Premi Air Racing, replacing Declan Fraser in the Chevrolet Camaro No.777, leaving Fraser with no seat despite allegedly gaining reassurance during the 2026 Bathurst 1000. 

An exciting addition to the Supercars Championship sees 21-year-old 2025 TA2 Racing Champion and part-time 2026 Penrite Australian Kart Championship commentator, Jarrod Hughes making the step up to a Supercars main-game title at Erebus Motorsport, taking over the duties for car No.99, the Chevrolet Camaro previously driven by Murray. Hughes' performance at Bathurst last weekend could be described as applaudable and an exciting insight to the new generation coming through the sport in Australia. 

General Motors was primary authoriser of this major change, giving the go-ahead to Murray to exit his contract with Erebus Motorsport earlier than intended - his contract was allegedly set to expire in 2027. 

“The changes reflect the positive and practical approach shared by Erebus Motorsport and Premi Air Racing,

“We’re pleased to support both Chevrolet teams and the continued development of both drivers as they take on these opportunities for the remainder of the season,” said GM Motorsport Supercars Racing Program manager Simon McNamara to V8 Sleuth. 

Part of an Erebus Motorsport Team Statement via Instagram reads, “Jarrod Hughes will move into the No.99 Erebus Camaro for the remainder of the season, following an impressive period of development that has seen him emerge as one of the exciting young prospects of the sport,

“Hughes has already gained Supercars experience as an enduro driver, but the move into the No.99 car gives him his first full-time opportunity in the championship.

It is an important next step for the young driver, and one Erebus sees as part of his longer-term future with the team.”

Murray was a major success story at Mount Panorama last weekend, finishing in sixth position, giving Erebus Motorsport ample excitement and confidence due to the performance levels the 25-year-old Melbournian consistently hits. 

Erebus Motorsport have been known to grow and harbour some incredible talents for the sport, Murray acting as confirmation for fans as he now moves on to a new chapter. 

“We’re grateful to Declan for his efforts this year in the team, but we want to prepare ourselves for 2027 as early as possible,

“The opportunity to put Cooper into the car now cannot be passed up as it will only benefit our program development for next season. We wish Declan the best for the future.” said Roland Dane to SpeedCafe.

Fraser’s season has been anything but positive, his performance furiously lacking in terms of results for the team at Premi Air Racing. He has consistently been out-performed by teammate Jayden Ojeda over the course of the season. 

The No.777 Chevrolet Camaro Bathurst 1000 campaign was disastrous for the Queenslander, and his co-driver Nash Morris, The Mountain not showcasing any favouritism, Fraser coming home in 19th after a very challenging race, facing damage and frustrating bad luck.

Premi Air Racing have not yet shared a statement to social media on this driver swap as of Tuesday afternoon October 13.