Brad Jones Racing Tipped for Toyota Switch, Xiberras Still Undecided on 2026 Move
By Andrew Clarke
Date posted: 10 May 2025
Multiple paddock sources have indicated that Brad Jones Racing is poised to become the second team aligned with Toyota in the Supercars Championship from 2026 onwards, marking a significant shift in the team’s long-standing association with GM machinery.
While Brad Jones himself has not made any official comment, Supercars has confirmed that a Toyota announcement is scheduled for this morning. A media conference will follow later today. All signs point to a major development for the Albury-based squad.
Speculation surrounding the Albury-based outfit has intensified in recent weeks, with several senior industry figures suggesting a deal has already been struck in principle. The timing of today’s Toyota announcement — and the absence of any public denial from BJR — has only added fuel to the fire.
Brad Jones and Andre Heimgartner celebrate a win at Taupo Supercars in 2024
If confirmed, BJR would become the second Toyota-aligned team on the grid, joining Walkinshaw Andretti United, which was announced as the brand’s homologation team earlier this year. A move of this magnitude would significantly strengthen Toyota’s footprint in the category, with BJR’s four-car operation boosting its numbers.
Meanwhile, Peter Xiberras has confirmed that he has yet to settle on a manufacturer for 2026 but hopes to make a decision before the next round of the championship.
PremiAirs Peter Xiberras and recently appointed CEO Gwyn Dolphin are still thinking about which brand they will run beyond 2025.
The PremiAir Racing boss remains one of the key wildcards in the ongoing manufacturer shake-up. Despite running Chevrolet Camaros and being heavily invested in GM-aligned race car programs, Xiberras is understood to be genuinely conflicted about his next move.
Reports suggest he is weighing up a switch to Ford and retaining his alignment with Triple Eight or doubling down on his existing GM relationship. Both camps are reportedly pushing hard, and Xiberras will meet with new Supercars Program Manager for General Motors, Simon McNamara, for the first time tomorrow.
Toyota announced it would enter the Supercars Championship with the GR Supra from 2026. At the launch (l-r) Toyota Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley; Chairman of RACE, Barclay Nettlefold; Repco Supercars Championship CEO, Shane Howard; Walkinshaw Andretti United Director, Ryan Walkinshaw.
With Toyota’s next steps expected to be made public today, and decisions from key independents like Xiberras looming, the grid for 2026 is starting to take shape — and it could signal the biggest manufacturer realignment since the Car of the Future era.
More to come.
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