The Supercheap Auto wildcard program hasbecome a hallmark of the Supercars enduro season

Supercheap Auto, Craig Lowndes, and Team 18 in partnership with Chevrolet Racing, recently announced a landmark two-year deal to lead the Supercheap Auto wildcard entry at the Supercars endurance races, starting from 2026.
The announcement was made at a Supercheap Auto store with a photo opportunity featuring Lowndes alongside Team 18 Owner Charlie Schwerkolt; Supercheap Auto General Manager – Marketing and E-Commerce, Andre Korte; and Chevrolet Racing General Manager, Chris Payne.
Supercheap Auto has been a cornerstone of Australian motorsport since 2000 and served as naming rights sponsor of the Bathurst 1000 from 2005 to 2020.
Since 2021, the Supercheap Auto wildcard program has become a hallmark of the Supercars enduro season, showcasing emerging talent such as Broc Feeney, Declan Fraser, Zane Goddard, Cooper Murray, and now reigning Super2 Series Champion Zach Bates. For 2026, the program will once again look to select a young rookie driver to join Lowndes.
“We’re incredibly proud of the Supercheap Auto Wildcard program, which continues to provide a platform for emerging talent to compete against the very best in Supercars,” Supercheap Auto General Manager – Marketing and E-Commerce, Andrew Korte, said.
“Motorsport and Supercars is in our DNA, and it has been a big success story over the last few years, with the pairing of a very experienced driver with an up-and-coming driver – we are very proud of that.
“As we head into our sixth year, 2026 marks an exciting new chapter as we partner with Team18. Led once again by Supercars legend Craig Lowndes, we’re thrilled to continue this program and can’t wait to hit the track during the 2026 Enduro season.”
The wildcard entry will continue as a Chevrolet Camaro and will now be fielded by the Mount Waverley-based Team 18 as a satellite program alongside its two main game entries. Ahead of the enduro season for 2025, the squad had scored one pole position for David Reynolds and two podium finishes for Anton De Pasquale.
“It is an incredible honour to welcome Craig Lowndes and Supercheap Auto to Team 18,” Team 18 Owner, Charlie Schwerkolt, said.
“To go from starting as a single-car customer entry in 2013, to building a team from the ground up, to now running a wildcard for one of the most legendary names in Supercars, it is a proud moment for every person in our organisation.
“We’ll be throwing everything at this program to ensure it is competitive from day one. The standard set by Triple Eight with this wildcard over the past few years has been exceptional, and we are committed to carrying that legacy forward.
“Supercheap Auto are leaders in community engagement and hosting incredible fan events. We’re proud to partner with them to bring fans closer to the action.
“Huge thanks to Chevrolet Racing and Supercheap Auto for backing this program and selecting Team 18 to host it moving forwards. We’re excited to take fans on the journey with us as this program comes to life.”
Team 18 was recently appointed as the new Chevrolet Racing homologation partner.
“Chevrolet Racing is proud of our ongoing involvement in what is now widely considered the benchmark program for young driver development in Supercars,” Chevrolet Racing General Manager, Chris Payne, said.
“This is a testament to the legacy of the program built over the last five years by Triple Eight and Supercheap Auto, which is widely considered a first-class example in Australian motorsport for the recognition and development of future talent.
“As a long-term ambassador for GM and Chevrolet Racing, it’s fantastic to have Craig Lowndes continue to lead the program into this new era.
“The selection of Team 18 to run the wildcard further reinforces their appointment as GM’s homologation partner, and we look forward to continuing this journey with them and Supercheap Auto.
“GM has a strong relationship with Supercheap Auto both on and off the track, where our all makes ACDelco products are on sale in store and online.”
Lowndes, one of the most experienced drivers in Supercars history with over 300 event starts, is a three-time Supercars Champion and seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner.
He remains deeply involved in the sport through his Supercars broadcast work and ambassador roles with Chevrolet Racing and ACDelco.
“The Supercheap Auto Wildcard program has grown from strength to strength during my time at Triple Eight. The young kids now look to it as a strong pathway to a future in the sport; we have seen that with previous years and teammates. To be continuing the program for the next two years with Team 18 and GM is a great thing,” Lowndes said.
“Joining Team 18 was the right move for me being the new homologation team and my strong relationship with GM. It is going to be a big change – joining a new Team after so many years, but there are a lot of familiar faces in there. As well as seeing what Team 18 and Charlie have built in their workshop, it’s first class.
“Supercheap Auto have very much shown their commitment to the program and moving forward. So, I am excited to continue to work alongside them, GM and now Team 18 to help continue and develop young drivers in their path in motorsport.”

To learn more about Supercheap Auto, visit www.supercheapauto.com.au