40 Year-Old Rookie Takes on Bathurst
Michael Sherwell, 40, of Elermore Vale, has a long history of doing things differently; starting his racing career at 40 did not surprise his family and friends.
A self-confessed adrenalin junkie, Michael has been an avid fan of motorsport for as long as he can remember. “My father was a keen motorbike racer in the ‘70’s, and when I showed the same curiosity, I was told I’d need to learn how to fix it before I could ride.” Michael has tried his hand at free style motocross, surfing and snowboarding. The challenge of competition driving him in every sport.
After Michael’s business, Nova Air and Electrical sponsored local business owner and race driver Gavan Reynolds in the Newcastle 500, Michael was hooked. “I’m good friends with Gavan and the Newcastle 500 experience was just unreal. When his Toyota86 came up for sale, I jumped at the chance.” Michael Sherwell Racing was born. Then COVID-19.
“A lot of sports have done it tough during COVID-19, motorsport was no different.” 2020 was going to be Michael’s first year competing in the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Australia 86 Series.
Instead, Michael has been busy racking up hours behind the wheel. Competing in 2 rounds of the APRA Australian Pulsar Racing Australia, the Improved Production Touring Car Championship and the Wakefield 300. All, amazingly for a rookie, without a crash. Michael scored his first podium, a 3rd place in the NSW Production Touring Cars Championship at Wakefield Park, Goulburn. Even after missing one round, Michael finished 4th in the state in his class.
Michael had planned to compete in the support categories in 2020’s Newcastle 500, only for the event to be cancelled. “It would have been great to race in front of a home crowd, with all my local sponsors in the spotlight.” Michael had also planned to race in the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Australia 86 Series support category at the recent Supercars round held at Mt Panorama.
"It wasn’t a choice. Be there for the birth of my 4th daughter or compete at Bathurst.”
Bathurst had to wait.
But now it’s all about Bathurst at the end of this month and preparing for next year’s Toyota 86 Gazoo Racing Australia series. Growing up watching Bathurst, Michael knew that the pinnacle of motorsport in Australia is to compete at the iconic Mt Panorama, Bathurst. “It’s like a Newcastle surfer watching Bells,” said Michael, “and now it is a reality.”
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Michael will race and compete for the first time at Mt Panorama, Bathurst in the Challenge Bathurst event. The Challenge Bathurst will take place Thursday 26 November through to Tuesday December 1.
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For more information please contact: Michael Sherwell
Phone 0421274730
Email info@michaelsherwellracing.com.au
Press Photos available here
