Anton de Pasquale has announced his departure from Erebus Motorsport today, all-but confirming he is en route to land a seat with Dick Johnson Racing next season.
De Pasquale joined the Penrite Racing outfit back in 2018, fresh off a superb Super 2 campaign.
Three-seasons at the team had De Pasquale quickly able to get to speed, and he has become a fine talent in the last few years.
His sole Supercars win came at Darwin this year, and he has also earned five further career podiums.
This year saw De Pasquale finish the season a career-best eighth in the standings, four-places above his experienced teammate David Reynolds.
Erebus team owner Betty Klimenko says she and the team are proud with what they have been able to achieve with De Pasquale over a brief stint.
“It’s really satisfying to look back and see what Anton was able to achieve with us,” said Klimenko.
“We gave him his first drive before anyone had given him the chance to get in the main game, even as a co-driver.
“He came to our team and we all got behind him, and I am extremely proud of what we have been able to achieve together.
“Like with many of our past drivers, I will be there cheering when he gets his first podium with his new team and I wish him every success in the future.”
De Pasquale is yet to confirm where he is racing next year officially. However, speculation is rife it will be at the freshly renamed DJR outfit after both of its 2020 pairing exited the team.
He will be replaced by Will Brown in the No.99 Erebus entry next season.
“I really want to thank the entire team for everything over the last three seasons, particularly Betty and Barry [Ryan, CEO],” said De Pasquale.
“They gave me my shot in Supercars, and I can’t thank them enough for taking a risk on me.
“As a team, we were able to achieve a lot, I picked up my first win, plenty of podiums and we ticked a lot of boxes which was cool.
“I’ve learnt a lot in a rapid period of time, and that is due to the team I had around me.
“I was very fortunate to be picked up as a rookie by one of the top competitive teams in the category, and without that I wouldn’t be where I am today or have achieved what I have.”
Erebus are yet to name who will be alongside Brown at the team in 2021 with rumours running high that Reynolds is seeking an early exit from his ten-year contract with the squad.