Team 18 has kicked off the 2025 Repco Supercars Championship in spectacular fashion, unveiling its bold new DEWALT Racing Camaro ZL1 and introducing star driver Anton De Pasquale at a high-energy season launch event. Fleet HV News was at the launch, held at the new Team 18 factory on a warm summer night in Melbourne, capturing all the excitement as the team set the tone for what promises to be an electrifying season ahead.
A New Era for Team 18
The much-anticipated season launch saw Team 18 officially welcome De Pasquale to the squad, with the accomplished Supercars driver joining forces with veteran teammate David Reynolds. The #18 DEWALT Racing Camaro, featuring a striking gloss yellow and black livery, was revealed in front of an enthusiastic crowd, showcasing the team’s renewed ambition for 2025.
“It’s awesome to be here at Team 18 and part of DEWALT Racing. The car looks fantastic—the gloss yellow and black make it really pop, and I think it’s going to stand out on track. The team has done an incredible job bringing the livery to life,” said De Pasquale.
Team Owner Charlie Schwerkolt shared his excitement about the team’s fresh new look and driver lineup, reinforcing Team 18’s drive for success.
“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with DEWALT and Stanley Black & Decker as we enter a new chapter with Anton De Pasquale in the #18 DEWALT Racing Camaro,” Schwerkolt said. “Celebrating a decade of partnership with Stanley Black & Decker makes this season even more special. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in our journey, and we’re proud to continue building on this incredible relationship in 2025.”
Hino Continues Strong Partnership
One of the standout features of the 2025 DEWALT Racing Camaro is the prominent placement of Hino branding on the front and rear quarter panels. As a key sponsor of Team 18, Hino’s commitment to the team remains strong, ensuring continued support for the squad’s championship ambitions.
Hino joins a stellar lineup of returning sponsors, including Fuchs Lubricants, Industrial Batteries Australia, Seiko, East Coast Car Rentals, and JAX Tyres & Auto, while new partners such as Hungry Jack’s, IVE Group, and High Sierra bring fresh momentum to the team’s commercial backing.
A Fresh Start with Big Goals
De Pasquale, who finished 11th in the standings last season, is determined to make an immediate impact with his new team. The former Jason Richards Memorial Trophy winner is confident in the potential of Team 18’s refreshed operation, particularly with race engineer Andrew Donnelly joining the fold.
“I’ve settled in well—the team is super welcoming and very professional. I was lucky to get some early laps at Bathurst, and with our shakedown at Winton and the pre-season test at Sydney, we’ll be in a strong position heading into Round 1,” De Pasquale said.
Schwerkolt emphasised the team’s drive to improve on last year’s results, particularly with the introduction of a new finals system and tyre regulations in 2025.
“With the backing of our valued partners and the dedication of our team, we’re set for an exciting 2025 season. We’ve made key off-season improvements, and we’re determined to push forward, deliver strong results, and make this a season to remember.”
A New Championship Format Adds Excitement
The 2025 Repco Supercars Championship brings several key changes, including a revamped finals system and the introduction of a new control tyre. These modifications are expected to shake up the competition, placing greater emphasis on strategy and adaptability.
“With the new Supercars finals system and the introduction of a new tyre, adapting quickly will be crucial,” De Pasquale explained. “We want to be in the mix when the finals roll around in Adelaide, and getting on top of the new tyre early will be key.”
David Reynolds, De Pasquale’s teammate, echoed the excitement surrounding the changes, believing they will add another layer of unpredictability to the championship.
“You want to be in that final four and just send it as hard as you can and see what happens,” Reynolds said. “That’s what it’s going to be about. It’s going to be a really cool spectacle, and whoever gets their head around all the new rules and formats first will have a huge advantage.”
On-Track Action Begins
The #18 DEWALT Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will hit the track for a shakedown at Winton Motor Raceway on February 13, followed by the official Supercars Pre-Season Test at Sydney Motorsport Park on February 19. With just over a week before the season opener, Team 18 is eager to fine-tune its package and hit the ground running.
The 2025 Repco Supercars Championship kicks off under lights at the Sydney 500 on February 21-23, airing live on Channel 7 and Fox Sports. With a fresh driver lineup, a striking new livery, and renewed determination, Team 18 is ready to make its mark on the season ahead.
“We’ve got all the pieces in place,” Schwerkolt said. “Now it’s time to go racing.”
Buckle up, Supercars fans—the 2025 season is about to ignite!
