WALKINSHAW JOINS FORCES WITH ANDRETTI AND UNITED

Walkinshaw Racing joins forces with Andretti Autosport and United Autosports – Photo: Supplied

Walkinshaw Racing has announced it new partnership with Andretti Autosport and United Autosports, to create Walkinshaw Andretti United, from January 1, 2018.

The new partnership, which is still pending approval from Supercars, will see Ryan Walkinshaw’s team join forces with two of the biggest names in international motorsport, Michael Andretti (Andretti Autosport) and Zak Brown (United Autosports), to create a new racing enterprise ahead of the 2018 Supercars season.

Walkinshaw Racing’s Chairman, Ryan Walkinshaw, said that creating Walkinshaw Andretti United is going to be a game-changer in the Supercars landscape.

“To be able to partner with both Andretti Autosport and United Autosports is an honour,” said Walkinshaw.

“We’ve looked from afar at what both have to offer the team moving forward, which is why everyone should be so excited.

“Fundamentally, we are doing it differently. This combination of international expertise is a pivotal step in accelerating our development, getting us where we need to be.

“We’ve been looking for partners who can add value to this team, both on and off the track, so to find that so resoundingly is the most pleasing element.

“It’s not only an alliance of technical expertise, but commercial prowess. Their experience, knowledge and record, both on and off the race-track, gives us, our current partners, and any future partners, access to global networks and talent pools.

“Today is the beginning of a new era. We are still firmly focused on the job at hand for 2017, but are eagerly looking forward to 2018.”

Ryan Walkinshaw with Michael Andretti (Andretti Autosports) – Photo: Supplied

Michael Andretti’s American based Andretti Autosport needs little introduction to global motorsport fans, running championship winning teams in both IndyCar and Global Rallycross as well as their Indy Lights and Formula-E campaigns.

“I’m very excited to announce our new partnership with Walkinshaw Racing and United Autosports.” said Andretti.

“I have always set a goal for Andretti Autosport to diversify and succeed across multiple platforms, and this opportunity is a natural next step for the team as we continue to expand globally.

“Together with Walkinshaw Racing and United Autosports, we now have three iconic organisations working together. We are determined to succeed, and I have full confidence that this new venture, Walkinshaw Andretti United, will become a leading Supercars team.”

Ryan Walkinshaw and Zak Brown (United Autosports) – Photo: Supplied

While Zak Brown, known for his involvement in the McLaren Formula 1 team owns, along with Richard Dean, the UK based United Autosports, which is known for it’s LMP2, LMP3 and GT programs around the world. The teams accomplishments include a European Le Mans Series series championship win as well as podium results as on some of the worlds most notable endurance races, including appearances at the Bathurst 12 Hour.

“I’m delighted United Autosports have joined forces with Walkinshaw Racing and Andretti Autosport.” said Brown

“It is bringing together three iconic names in motor sport across three continents – Europe, Australia and America, where we can share our experience and resources to make each team stronger.”

We’ve got more of the latest news out of the Supercars paddock in the new issue of Auto Action Magazine, on sale now. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.