LIKE most teenagers who are Supercars fans, Broc Feeney has spent hours in front of the television set watching the Bathurst 1000 and dreaming of one day tackling the Great Race himself.
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But unlike most teen Supercars fans, this October he won't be watching another Bathurst 1000. Instead the 17-year-old will be racing in it.
Feeney, who's regular drive is in the Super2 Series, will partner James Courtney as co-driver in a Ford Mustang at Mount Panorama.
"It's amazing to have the chance to compete in the Bathurst 1000. Like most kids, growing up I would sit down on the couch to watch the race and always dreamed of being in it, so to have this opportunity is unbelievable," Feeney said.
"And to do it in such a competitive car and with a driver as successful as JC is incredible. I've been involved with Boost Mobile since last year in Super3, and it's been great to be involved with such a high level brand with high profile athletes around the world.
"To now be able to race the Boost Mobile Mustang in one of the biggest races in the world is surreal. I'm still pinching myself and I absolutely cannot wait to get to the mountain in October."
Coincidentally, Feeney has already competed - and won - at Mount Panorama this year, claiming victory in the Invitational class at the Bathurst 12 Hour, driving a Ford Mustang MARC in early February.
While acknowledging the learning curve ahead of him, Feeney is confident in his ability to adapt to the Mustang and learn from Courtney, the 2010 Supercars champion, as he continues his career progression.
"Certainly it's not going to be easy, if it was everyone would do it," He said.
"I was fortunate to do the 12 Hour earlier this year and get my first miles in at Bathurst, and I'll be racing in Super2 the weekend of the 1000 so I'll have plenty of seat time to try and find the most out of myself and the car.
"I'll have a lot to learn for sure, but JC is a great driver to learn from, and we should have a very good car underneath us which I'm really excited about.
"Over the past few months I've really stepped up my training and fitness, and I've been turning heaps of laps at Norwell to keep sharp in the car. I'm working hard to be as physically and mentally prepared as possible, and hopefully come October we can go chase a trophy."
Courtney also noted his enthusiasm for Feeney's added role, and looks forward to bringing the 17-year old up to speed.
"Broc has had an incredible rise through the ranks of Australian motor sport, so to team up with him at Boost Mobile Racing for Bathurst is pretty exciting for both of us," Courtney said.
"He's only been racing cars for a few years but he's won in just about everything he's ever driven, which speaks to his talent, determination, and ability to adapt, all of which are really important in getting the most out of a Supercar."
Turning 18 a week after the Great Race, Feeney is set to join a shortlist of drivers who make their 1000 debut before their 18th birthday, among them Tickford Racing team-mate Cameron Waters, who made his Bathurst debut at 17 in 2011.
