Team 18, in partnership with Chevrolet Racing, has announced a landmark two-year agreement with Australian motorsport legend Craig Lowndes and leading automotive retailer Supercheap Auto to field a wildcard entry in the Supercars endurance races from 2026.
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.
Lowndes, a three-time Supercars Champion and seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner, brings unmatched experience with over 300 event starts. Beyond his racing accolades, he remains a prominent figure in the sport through his Supercars broadcast work and long-standing ambassador roles with Chevrolet Racing and ACDelco.
A New Era for the Wildcard Program
The Supercheap Auto Wildcard entry will continue as a Chevrolet Camaro, run by Mount Waverley-based Team 18 as a satellite program alongside its two main game cars. In 2025, the squad has already achieved a pole position for David Reynolds and two podium finishes for Anton De Pasquale.
As the newly appointed Chevrolet Racing homologation partner, Team 18 will spearhead the next chapter of the Team Chevy alliance in Supercars.
Supercheap Auto has been a cornerstone of Australian motorsport since 2000, holding naming rights for the Bathurst 1000 from 2005 to 2020. Since 2021, its Wildcard program has provided a launchpad for emerging stars including Broc Feeney, Declan Fraser, Zane Goddard, Cooper Murray, and reigning Super2 Series Champion Zach Bates. The tradition will continue in 2026, pairing Lowndes with a yet-to-be-named rookie driver.
Details such as the co-driver, race number, and crew will be revealed next year.
Commitment from Team 18
Team 18 Owner Charlie Schwerkolt described the partnership as a proud milestone:
“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, while continuing the legacy the program has built in developing future talent.”
Lowndes Excited for Fresh Challenge
Craig Lowndes said joining Team 18 was the right move for the next chapter of the program:
“The Supercheap Auto Wildcard has become a recognised pathway for young drivers, and to continue that alongside Team 18 and GM is fantastic. It’s going to be a big change after so many years with the one team, but there are a lot of familiar faces here and I’ve been impressed by what Charlie and the crew have built. I’m excited to help bring through the next generation.”
Supercheap Auto and Chevrolet Racing Back the Program
Andre Korte, Supercheap Auto’s General Manager – Marketing & E-Commerce, said the partnership marks an exciting new chapter:
“As we head into our sixth year, 2026 is about taking the Wildcard program to the next level with Team 18. Led by a legend like Craig Lowndes, we can’t wait to get back on track during the Enduro season.”
Chevrolet Racing General Manager Chris Payne reinforced GM’s commitment:
“This program is now seen as the benchmark for young driver development in Supercars. Having Craig continue to lead it into a new era with Team 18 is a natural fit, especially with their role as our homologation partner. We’re excited to see where the next chapter takes us.”
With a proven winner in Lowndes, the backing of Supercheap Auto, and the technical expertise of Chevrolet Racing, the 2026 wildcard program promises to deliver both strong results on track and exciting opportunities for emerging talent in Australian motorsport.
