Lowndes Joins Team 18 for 2026 Wildcard

By Andrew Clarke

Date posted: 13 August 2025

Craig Lowndes will spearhead a new era for the Supercheap Auto Wildcard from 2026, with Team 18 confirmed as the program’s new home under a landmark two-year deal backed by Chevrolet Racing.

The three-time Supercars Champion and seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner will join the Mount Waverley-based operation for the endurance season alongside a yet-to-be-named rookie co-driver, as the program shifts from Triple Eight to Chevrolet’s newly appointed homologation team.

The announcement was made at a Supercheap Auto store, with Lowndes joined by Team 18 owner Charlie Schwerkolt, Supercheap Auto General Manager – Marketing & E-Commerce Andre Korte, and Chevrolet Racing General Manager Chris Payne.

Schwerkolt said the opportunity to run Lowndes and the Wildcard was a milestone moment for his team.

“It’s an incredible honour to welcome Craig Lowndes and Supercheap Auto to Team 18. 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’s a proud moment for every person in our organisation.

“We’ll be throwing everything at this program to ensure it’s competitive from day one. The standard set by Triple Eight with this wildcard over the past few years has been exceptional, and we’re committed to carrying that legacy forward.”

The program will continue to pair Lowndes with an emerging driver, keeping the development pathway at its core.

“What makes this program so special is not just having Craig behind the wheel, but the opportunity it creates to develop the next generation of Supercars stars. We’ve seen the wildcard pathway bring names like Broc Feeney and Cooper Murray into the spotlight, and we’re excited to play a part in unearthing the sport’s future talent.

“Our next step is to identify a rising star to pair with Craig, assemble the right crew, and build a program that can challenge at Bathurst and The Bend. As for the race number? That’s still up for discussion, but we’ve got a few iconic and creative options in the mix.

“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.”

Craig Lowndes and Declan Fraser tested their 2022 Wildcard machine for the first time at Queensland Raceway.

For Lowndes, who has led the Wildcard since its inception in 2021, the move to Team 18 is both a shift and a continuation.

“It’s an exciting time ahead. 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 team mates. To be continuing the program for the next 2 years with Team 18 and GM is a great thing.

“Joining Team 18 was the right move for me being the new homologation team and my strong relationship with GM. It’s 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.”

Supercheap Auto’s Andre Korte said the program’s mission remained unchanged.

“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.

“As we head into our sixth year, 2026 marks an exciting new chapter as we partner with Team 18. 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.”

Chevrolet Racing’s Chris Payne said the change in teams strengthens the program’s future.

“Chevrolet Racing is proud of our ongoing involvement in what is now widely considered the benchmark program for young driver development in Supercars. 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.”

Details on the co-driver, race number, and personnel for the 2026 entry will be announced next year.

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Lowndes Joins Team 18 for 2026 Wildcard

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