Press Archives - Red Bull Ampol Racing Team https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/category/press/ The official site of the Red Bull Ampol Racing Supercars team. Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:09:40 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/cropped-redbullampolfavicon-512x512-1-32x32.png Press Archives - Red Bull Ampol Racing Team https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/category/press/ 32 32 Feeney and Brown unveil stunning new Indigenous Round Livery at Hidden Valley https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/feeney-and-brown-unveil-stunning-new-indigenous-round-livery-at-hidden-valley/ Thu, 19 Jun 2025 01:47:26 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=16249 Red Bull Ampol Racing team drivers Broc Feeney and Will Brown have unveiled the Indigenous inspired artwork design that will be on the two Championship-leading Camaros for this weekend’s Hidden Valley round – part of the Supercars Indigenous Round. At the heart of the striking design is a powerful celebration of Country and connection envisioned […]

The post Feeney and Brown unveil stunning new Indigenous Round Livery at Hidden Valley appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>

Red Bull Ampol Racing team drivers Broc Feeney and Will Brown have unveiled the Indigenous inspired artwork design that will be on the two Championship-leading Camaros for this weekend’s Hidden Valley round – part of the Supercars Indigenous Round.

At the heart of the striking design is a powerful celebration of Country and connection envisioned by local Taminmin College Year 12 student, Christopher Brumby.

Featuring vibrant dot painting, the design captures the harmony between people, animals, and the land. Flowing blue dots represent creeks and waterholes – precious sources of life and knowledge. Red dots signify the warmth of the earth, and the deep spiritual connections shared amongst all living beings across generations.

Central to the artwork are a crocodile and a barramundi, symbolising ancient elders – the guardians of wisdom, tradition, and the natural world. The pathways weaving between waterholes reflect how people and animals walk together, guided by the stories and teachings of Country.

The design proudly reflects the Northern Territory’s rich cultural landscapes and the importance of unity, respect, and knowledge-sharing, both on and off the track.

The artwork was created as part of the school’s Indigenous art program. The program is in conjunction with the Clontarf Foundation, supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men with education, life skills, and employment initiatives, whilst partnering with Ampol, who are a Title Sponsor of Red Bull Ampol Racing.

Broc Feeney
 Driver #88 Chevrolet Camaro
Red Bull Ampol Racing

“Our new Indigenous livery is awesome. To be honest, I love doing special liveries. I’ve had a great run in special liveries. I think I’ve won nearly every time we’ve run a special livery. I’m stoked; I like it when we mix it up.

“We can’t change our car too much normally, because we’ve got such good, long-standing partners who support us as well as they do. So, to have freedom for one of the rounds and having the Clontarf Academy kids design it, is super special. I love it. I think the car looks fantastic.

“It’s super colourful. There are lots of colours on there, which I like. It pops. Hopefully, I can keep that livery streak going.”

Will Brown
 Driver #1 Chevrolet Camaro
Red Bull Ampol Racing

“I love the look of our indigenous car. The Clontarf Academy kids have done an awesome job with the design, and it looks even better on the car as well.

“It’s cool for our sponsors and partners who support us to get behind liveries like this; it shows just how good the group of people we have with us is. I’m excited for everyone to see it, might be a little biased, but it might be one of the best yet.”

Both Red Bull Ampol Racing cars will take to the track at Hidden Valley Raceway for the Darwin Triple Crown, with Practice 1 kicking off the weekend’s racing Friday, 20 June.

 

The post Feeney and Brown unveil stunning new Indigenous Round Livery at Hidden Valley appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]> Bulls complete successful test day at Queensland Raceway https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/bulls-complete-successful-test-day-at-queensland-raceway/ Tue, 30 Jul 2024 09:54:39 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=15349 Queensland Raceway Test Day: Will Brown – Car #87 “It was a massive day. Probably the greatest number of laps I’ve ever done on a test day. We had a lot to work through. We’ve got a really fast car at Queensland Raceway, so it’s quite hard because some of the changes that we’re trying […]

The post Bulls complete successful test day at Queensland Raceway appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>

Queensland Raceway Test Day:

Will Brown – Car #87

“It was a massive day. Probably the greatest number of laps I’ve ever done on a test day. We had a lot to work through. We’ve got a really fast car at Queensland Raceway, so it’s quite hard because some of the changes that we’re trying to figure out what might make the car faster at other tracks make it a little bit slower here. It was a lot to work through, trying to confirm what setup changes we can put in our toolbox to know what changes we need at certain tracks and when we might be a little off the pace. Scott (Pye) is fast. He was fast when he was in the main game, running in the top 10 a lot, so he’ll be fine. He did a fair few laps today, which is good. Overall, a massive day working through everything. The boys did a mega job and hopefully, it will make us faster down in Tasmania.”

Scott Pye – Car #87

“The track was consistent today. The first test I did with the team was quite hot, so every time I got in the car, the track conditions and everything had changed a lot, but today was much more consistent. It was a really good opportunity for me to jump in and out during the day, and to get a good feeling from the car. The ride day last week in Sydney was of real benefit to me, making sure I was super comfortable. And then being here today and getting on with the program and helping out where I could. It’s been a massive day for Will, and then for me, it’s just jumping in and out where I can. But all in all, for me, it’s been a very good day, I’m feeling confident. I wish the boys good luck in Tasmania and then back in the car at Sandown. I’m enjoying getting ready for that part of the season.”

Broc Feeney – Car #88

“Today was good, felt like a Jamie Whincup evaluation day. He got plenty of laps in, which was really good. We had a big test plan to get through today, we managed to get through pretty much everything we set out to. No major setbacks throughout the day, so we got to smash through our plan. It’s going to be a lot to look at in the next couple of weeks before we go to Tasmania but stoked the boys did such a good job because it was just such a big and long day. We’ve still got lots to look at and improve on, you don’t want the bad rounds, but it’s good to have a test day after one, just to try and learn some new things.”

Jaime Whincup – Car #88

“It was great to get in the car and cut some laps. A perfect test day as far as the weather goes. A nice, cool morning and stayed consistently cool all day, we couldn’t have asked for a better day for testing conditions. Both cars ran extremely well, and we got through our test program. It was one of the best test days we’ve run operationally, everyone did a fantastic job, and we gathered a heap of information, which is now going to be up to us to sort through to try to make some gains. From my point of view, couldn’t be happier. I was happy to get a heap of laps for myself, which is nice because I haven’t done any this year. It’s always great to get to drive the car, but I felt the responsibility to try to give the engineers as much feedback as possible to try to improve the cars. So hopefully I’ve been able to contribute to the speed moving forward.”

The post Bulls complete successful test day at Queensland Raceway appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]> Broc Feeney to feature at One Raceway opening ASBK event https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/broc-feeney-to-feature-at-one-raceway-opening-asbk-event/ Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:25:59 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=15511 Red Bull Ampol Racing driver Broc Feeney is returning to his family’s hometown of Goulburn, New South Wales, to feature in a demonstration display at Round 6 of the Australian Superbike Championship at One Raceway on Saturday October 5. At the newly-opened bi-directional track formerly known as Wakefield Park, Broc will aim to set the […]

The post Broc Feeney to feature at One Raceway opening ASBK event appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>

Red Bull Ampol Racing driver Broc Feeney is returning to his family’s hometown of Goulburn, New South Wales, to feature in a demonstration display at Round 6 of the Australian Superbike Championship at One Raceway on Saturday October 5.

At the newly-opened bi-directional track formerly known as Wakefield Park, Broc will aim to set the fastest lap times in his 2022 Red Bull Ampol Racing Holden Commodore supercar, the exact same car he claimed his first Supercars Championship victory in at the 2022 Adelaide 500 in his rookie year.

As the Red Bull Ampol Racing team gear up for Bathurst, one of the most highly anticipated events on the Supercars calendar, fans at One Raceway will also be treated to a parade lap of Broc in his 2024 Red Bull Ampol Racing Chevrolet Camaro, alongside his father Paul, a former Superbike rider, who will return to two wheels for this special event.

Tickets for Round 6 of the Australian Superbike Championship at One Raceway can be purchased HERE

Broc Feeney, Driver Car #88, Red Bull Ampol Racing:

“I’m super excited to announce that we’ll be heading to Goulburn for the opening of One Raceway at the ASBK round. 

“Returning to Goulburn to do something cool for the community was an idea I’ve had since the start of the year, and with the reopening of One Raceway which holds so much history in the town, it was a perfect opportunity to get the team involved and have some fun.

“There’s going to be some really cool things happening on the day. I’ll be setting lap times in both directions of the track, we’ll have our Bathurst 1000 cars on display for fans to see, I’ll host a signing session and will also do a demonstration lap with my dad who has so much history with the Australian Superbike Championship.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun before we tackle the Mountain the following weekend just up the road in Bathurst.” 

Peter Doyle, CEO, Motorcycling Australia:

“The reopening of One Raceway after a suite of upgrades is a huge shot in the arm for motorsport in Australia, and to have Red Bull Ampol Racing join us at the ASBK Championship round is going to make for a spectacular event.

“The admiration across the Supercars and Superbike paddocks between drivers, riders and teams is huge, and we’re going to see that first-hand One Raceway with plenty of fun on-and-off-track activities. And the Feeney family has a rich connection to Superbike racing in Australia via Broc’s dad, Paul, so this event is poignant in so many ways.

“On behalf of the ASBK team, I’d like to thank Red Bull Ampol Racing for joining us at One Raceway to launch its assault on this year’s Bathurst 1000.”

Want to see more of Red Bull Ampol Racing?

Check out our social channels below!

Instagram Facebook Youtube

The post Broc Feeney to feature at One Raceway opening ASBK event appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]> Triple Eight announces return to Dunlop Super2 in 2025 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/triple-eight-announces-return-to-dunlop-super2-in-2025/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 20:56:18 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=15626 Triple Eight Race Engineering is excited to announce its return to the Dunlop Super2 Series in 2025, spearheaded by youngsters Ben Gomersall and Jackson Walls. Jackson and Ben will join Triple Eight after completing their respective 2024 campaigns. Jackson joins after a strong season within the Porsche Carrera Cup series, where he currently sits third […]

The post Triple Eight announces return to Dunlop Super2 in 2025 appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>

Triple Eight Race Engineering is excited to announce its return to the Dunlop Super2 Series in 2025, spearheaded by youngsters Ben Gomersall and Jackson Walls.

Jackson and Ben will join Triple Eight after completing their respective 2024 campaigns. Jackson joins after a strong season within the Porsche Carrera Cup series, where he currently sits third in the standings with wins at Taupo and Sandown. Ben currently competes in the Toyota 86 GR Cup series and has shown strong consistency and pace across the championship races, including several fastest laps.

Ben says although he hasn’t spent a significant amount of time in a Supercar, learning as much as possible will be the aim for 2025.

“I just feel like it’s such a great opportunity to be driving a Triple Eight Super2 car next year,” said Ben. “It’s going to be a really cool environment to learn from everyone with so much experience there.
“It is going to be a big learning curve next year, so if I can try to take in as much information as I can and learn from all the experienced guys there, it’s going to help me out.

If we’re consistently improving each round from the first round in Sydney to the last round in Adelaide, getting some top-ten and top-five finishes along the way, I’d be really happy with that.
“I have done a couple of test days in some of my some of my dad’s Supercars,” Ben explained. “Earlier this year in July, I did a few laps in Reuben Goodall’s Holden ZB Commodore at the time was. I did about 40 or so laps at Queensland Raceway, but other than that, haven’t done much driving of them.

“This year so far has been pretty solid overall; we’ve had a really good pace at all of the rounds this year. We’ve been top five in the championship for the whole year as well as results-wise on track.

“My dad’s always been a big help in my career. He’s always been there for me, and I couldn’t do it without him. I’d like to thank all my sponsors as well, particularly Hugh Zochling. He’s been pretty important this year since jumping on board. “

For Jackson, the chance to drive a Triple Eight Supercar is the chance of a lifetime and will be looking to maximize every opportunity.

“To be completely honest, I don’t really think there’s a better way to start a Supercars campaign in Super2, especially with the best team in the country at the moment and one of the best, if not the best teams, in the last 15 years or so.

“It’s pretty exciting for me, my family, and my supporters. We want to get things rolling right from the get-go. I’m super excited. Like always, you want to do the best job possible, but for me, it’s just maximizing myself in learning how to drive the Supercar.

“But at the end of the day, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to go win races and win championships. I want to strive for the top and give the championship a good crack.

“After completing the limited days I’ve done in a Supercar and then the evaluation day with Triple Eight and the Supercheap Auto Wildcard Camaro, you don’t realise until you’re in a part of the internal outfit, what kind of level they run at.”

“It was super cool, and I learned a lot, particularly with Wes McDougall (Supercheap Auto Racing, Race Engineer) and everyone who was part of the Wildcard crew for the evaluation day. So, for me, I was just taking everything in and trying to be as fast as possible.

“I wouldn’t be here without my dad; he has been working tirelessly for the last 15 years or so. He’s been my number-one backer since the start.”

Triple Eight Race Engineering Managing Director Jamie Whincup has expressed his excitement about a return to the series, and the start of a new chapter at Triple Eight.

“It is fantastic to be returning to Super2,” he said. “We are big supporters of introducing young talent into motorsport and providing that young talent a pathway from go-karts to Supercars. And Super2 is a big part of that pathway.

“I’ve felt a bit hollow the last few years not being in Super2, only because we didn’t have cars available. But we’ve been able to now get cars available so we can enter the series again. However, this is just the start of a grand plan to develop talent, provide the stepping stones, and give them the pathway from go-karts to Supercars.

“Jackson is a talented young kid, predominantly known for his Porsche Carrera Cup performances. He’s very, very competitive in that championship, and he’s someone that we feel we can rely on to represent the Triple Eight Race Engineering brand in Super2 again.

“We’ve needed drivers who can showcase the performance of the car and what Triple Eight is all about, and we’ve got full trust that Jackson’s going to be able to do that. He is certainly a fast young kid looking to get on the Supercar grid, and we hope we can be a part of that journey.

“Ben has done quite a bit of racing. He’s still quite young, so I think it’s a great opportunity for him to massively increase his learning curve. He’ll be surrounded by some of the best drivers and engineers in the business. So, I think it’s going to be fantastic, but we’re not putting too much pressure on him.

“Hopefully, that learning curve accelerates quickly over the first 6 months, and then he can become a real contender by the end of the season.

“I just want them both to grow. If they can get to the end of the year with a significant amount more experience and good knowledge of the Triple Eight way to make a Supercar go fast, that’d be a job well done.”

Four of Triple Eight’s previous ten Super2 drivers have graduated to secure various Supercars main-game drives, including current Red Bull Ampol Racing driver Broc Feeney, current co-driver Scott Pye, Declan Fraser, and Cameron Hill.

The Dunlop Super2 Championship begins at the Sydney 500 on 21-23 February, at Sydney Motorsport Park.

– Ends –

Want to see more of Red Bull Ampol Racing?

Check out our social channels below!

Instagram Facebook Youtube

The post Triple Eight announces return to Dunlop Super2 in 2025 appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]> Workshop to pitstop: New Holland technician experience revs up at Bathurst 1000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/workshop-to-pitstop-new-holland-technician-experience-revs-up-at-bathurst-1000/ Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:48:23 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=15624 New Holland and Triple Eight Race Engineering continue to provide trackside experiences for exceptional apprentices and technicians as part of the Red Bull Ampol Racing pit crew  Dealership apprentice, Brett Bartkowski, became the 27th New Holland technician to be part of the Red Bull Ampol Racing pit crew when he joined the team trackside at […]

The post Workshop to pitstop: New Holland technician experience revs up at Bathurst 1000 appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>

New Holland and Triple Eight Race Engineering continue to provide trackside experiences for exceptional apprentices and technicians as part of the Red Bull Ampol Racing pit crew 

Dealership apprentice, Brett Bartkowski, became the 27th New Holland technician to be part of the Red Bull Ampol Racing pit crew when he joined the team trackside at the Bathurst 1000 last weekend.  

Trading tractors for supercars is all part of the experience for selected New Holland apprentices, technicians and service managers under New Holland’s partnership with Triple Eight and Red Bull Ampol Racing for the 2024 Supercars Championship season.

This year, Bartkowski won the chance to join the team on the tools and bring back a once in a lifetime experience to the workshop at McIntosh & Son in Dalby, Queensland.

“When I was told that I was heading to Bathurst 1000 to be a part of the pit crew I had to pinch myself. While it was an amazing opportunity to see what it would be like to work in such a fast-paced environment, it is very different to the paddocks and workshops that I’m used to,” he said.

“From the word go, I was put to work on a range of tasks supporting the other pit crew. It was an eye-opening and exciting experience to see what goes into keeping a high-performance Red Bull Ampol supercar in the race.

Earlier this month, New Holland and Triple Eight extended the partnership agreement for the 2025 season. The extension is recognition of the calibre of talent in New Holland’s workshops across the country.

Since the partnership was inked in 2021, almost 30 apprentices and technicians have been recognised for excellence with the opportunity to meet the drivers and be a part the pit crew at one of seven annual Supercars races.

Commercial Director of Red Bull Ampol Racing, Tom Wilson, congratulated New Holland on the extension of the agreement and shared his excitement for the continued arrangement.

“There are strong synergies between servicing agricultural equipment and our supercars. Although our environment is fast-paced and in front of an audience, we share the same stakes in making sure the machine is performing to the best of its abilities,” he said.

“Through every season of our partnership with New Holland we have been consistently blown away by the calibre, knowledge, and capability of the talent the business produces.”

While the trackside experience is open to all New Holland workshops in Australia, the places have been reserved for the most promising and talented apprentices and technicians.

The selection process involved the completion of appropriate training by the candidate, as well as demonstrated commitment to outstanding service.

New Holland Australia’s National Parts and Service Manager, Gary Pertot, congratulated both Brett Bartkowski for his commitment to service quality, and McIntosh & Son for their nomination recognising their budding team member.

“With the high calibre of upcoming professionals and existing experts, it is important to recognise and reward the team members who are keeping our customers’ operations running every day,” he said.

“The pit crew experiences equip our team members with learning new problem-solving skills within a fast-paced and high-pressure environment which they can bring back to the dealership workshops and apply to their own work.”

Want to see more of Red Bull Ampol Racing?

Check out our social channels below!

Instagram Facebook Youtube

The post Workshop to pitstop: New Holland technician experience revs up at Bathurst 1000 appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]> Will Brown to drive in NASCAR Chicago Street Race with Kaulig Racing https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/will-brown-to-drive-in-nascar-chicago-street-race-with-kaulig-racing/ Tue, 27 May 2025 20:00:00 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=16206 The city of Chicago has lured another Supercars champion and Red Bull Ampol Racing driver to its streets. American NASCAR team Kaulig Racing announced today it will enter Red Bull Ampol Racing driver and reigning Supercars champion Will Brown in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race in Chicago. The Chicago Street Race on July 7, […]

The post Will Brown to drive in NASCAR Chicago Street Race with Kaulig Racing appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>
The city of Chicago has lured another Supercars champion and Red Bull Ampol Racing driver to its streets.

American NASCAR team Kaulig Racing announced today it will enter Red Bull Ampol Racing driver and reigning Supercars champion Will Brown in the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race in Chicago. The Chicago Street Race on July 7, Australian time, is one of the most anticipated races of the year.


This will be the third year that NASCAR have gone racing on the famed streets of Chicago. The inaugural event was won by three-time Supercars champion, Shane van Gisbergen, when he shocked the motorsports world by taking the checkered flag in just his first NASCAR start.


Brown will join teammates AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon in the No. 13 backed by some of Will’s long time partners in Shaw and Partners Financial Services, QuadLock, KMC Wheels, Direct Plasterboard Outlet (DPO), Complete Parts & Equipment Solutions, Southern Cross Truck Rentals (SCTR), Wurth, and Xpress Fleet (XF).


Brown made his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Sonoma Raceway in 2024, driving a third entry for Richard Childress Racing (RCR). With a strong Chevy, Brown was third after the first practice, but an electrical issue hindered his qualifying effort. He started the race from 24th, but a similar electrical issue during the race caused the team to fall off the lead lap and unable to make up the ground, Brown finished the race in 31st.

Will Brown, Red Bull Ampol Racing Driver:

“After watching SVG (Shane van Gisbergen) win the 2023 Chicago NASCAR race and getting to drive myself at Sonoma last year, I’ve been really keen to have a go at the Grant Park 165 (Chicago).”


“The Supercars calendar aligned this year to give me time to get over to Charlotte early to prepare and give the race a crack! I have watched Kaulig Racing closely this season and I’m really excited to get behind the wheel of the MobileX and Shaw and Partners No. 13!”

Matt Kaulig, Owner, Kaulig Racing:

“This is an amazing opportunity for Kaulig Racing to compete for a win in one of the most prestigious events on the calendar.”


“We are so excited to have Will (Brown) race with us and compete for the trophy. The team is ready, and we know he has the talent.”

The post Will Brown to drive in NASCAR Chicago Street Race with Kaulig Racing appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]> Supercars announce New Zealand Double Header for 2026 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/supercars-announce-new-zealand-double-header-for-2026/ Fri, 23 May 2025 04:36:31 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=16202 The South Island’s Ruapuna circuit will host a Championship round from 2026 through until 2028 with the North Island’s Taupō circuit extending it’s deal until at least the end of 2028. The Repco Supercars Championship will proudly bring racing to Christchurch from 2026, with Ruapuna Raceway set to host the first-ever Supercars event on New […]

The post Supercars announce New Zealand Double Header for 2026 appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>
The South Island’s Ruapuna circuit will host a Championship round from 2026 through until 2028 with the North Island’s Taupō circuit extending it’s deal until at least the end of 2028.

The Repco Supercars Championship will proudly bring racing to Christchurch from 2026, with Ruapuna Raceway set to host the first-ever Supercars event on New Zealand’s South Island — part of a groundbreaking NZ double-header.

The announcement marks a major moment for Supercars and Kiwi motorsport fans alike, as the category locks in a two-event presence in both the North and South Islands of Aotearoa from 2026- 2028, ensuring racing will take place in Taupō and Ōtautahi Christchurch over the next three years.

Just 15km west of the city, Ruapuna Raceway will bring Supercars to Christchurch – a city steeped in motorsport culture, now ready for its biggest-ever event.

The addition of Ruapuna underscores Supercars’ long-term commitment to New Zealand. Ruapuna Raceway will benefit from a multimillion-dollar upgrade ahead of the event, with a community-led vision to enhance sustainability, accessibility, and facilities, including track resurfacing and a rebuilt supporters’ lounge.

Ruapuna joins a proud list of New Zealand venues in Supercars history, alongside Pukekohe, Hamilton, and Taupō – and ensures the South Island finally gets its chance to play host to the world’s premier touring car series.

Following a sell-out return to New Zealand in 2024 at Taupō and the success of the 2025 event, Supercars can also confirm today that racing will continue at Taupō International Motorsport Park until at least the end of 2028.

Shane Howard, Supercars CEO:

“This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand.”

“We’ve always wanted to race in the South Island, and thanks to the commitment of the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council and the incredible work of the Canterbury Car Club, that dream will become a reality from 2026.”

“Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time.”

“Since Supercars’ first visit to New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country and we’re thrilled to be bringing a second event to the country that makes up 20 per cent of our total audience.“

“We know what Supercars means to New Zealanders. This is going to be a two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport that will rival any on our calendar.”

Mark Dutton, Team Manager, Red Bull Ampol Racing:

“I think it’s awesome to have a doubleheader like this. We’re doing two events while we’re over there, we’re getting twice the amount of racing. It’s brilliant not just for the local NZ fans, but for all Supercars fans, whether they’re at the events or watching. They get to enjoy even more Supercars action at that time of the year.”


“What’s cool is when you see the amount of money that was injected with the Taupō round, and the level of support from both locals and travellers, that level will be doubled. Everyone will want to go to Christchurch as well and do a doubleheader themselves. So, it’s pretty exciting for the category and for the fans, and it just makes sense. It’s a smart way to expand.”


“We saw it work years ago for Abu Dhabi and into Bahrain, and that was pretty cool. For an international doubleheader to finally come back on the calendar, it’s awesome.”


“Any new track is exciting. Anytime the category gets to go to a new track, it keeps our engineers, our drivers, and our crews challenged. I know nothing about Ruapuna, but we will be doing our homework. The track is due to be resurfaced and to have an overhaul of the whole facility. The Canterbury Car Club has raised a lot of funding to improve the facilities, and they’ve clearly left no stone unturned.”

The post Supercars announce New Zealand Double Header for 2026 appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]> Triple Eight welcomes Zach Bates to Supercheap Auto Racing https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/triple-eight-welcomes-zach-bates-to-supercheap-auto-racing/ Mon, 04 Nov 2024 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=15670 Triple Eight Race Engineering is thrilled to announce the signing of Zach Bates, who will join the team’s driving roster and planned continuation of the Supercheap Auto Racing wildcard program in 2025 alongside Craig Lowndes in the #888 Chevrolet Camaro. The 20-year-old, currently competing in his second year of the Dunlop Super2 Championship, holds a […]

The post Triple Eight welcomes Zach Bates to Supercheap Auto Racing appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>

Triple Eight Race Engineering is thrilled to announce the signing of Zach Bates, who will join the team’s driving roster and planned continuation of the Supercheap Auto Racing wildcard program in 2025 alongside Craig Lowndes in the #888 Chevrolet Camaro.

The 20-year-old, currently competing in his second year of the Dunlop Super2 Championship, holds a 39-point championship lead entering the Adelaide 500 finale after claiming his first Super2 win at the Perth SuperSprint in May.
Bates, the son of rally driver Rick Bates and the nephew of multiple Australian champion Neal Bates, began his racing career in karts at age 10, and previously won the Formula Ford national title in 2021. Following his Formula Ford success, Zach carved out a brilliant Toyota 86 career, winning nine races in 2021 including eight in a row. In 2022, Zach won seven of 15 races.

Since the commencement of Triple Eight’s Supercheap Auto-backed wildcard program in 2021, the team has seen talented young drivers in Broc Feeney, Declan Fraser, Zane Goddard and Cooper Murray make their case for full-time seats in the Supercars Championship.

Supercheap Auto Racing’s 2022 Bathurst 1000 campaign delivered an eighth-place finish, the highest place wildcard finish in the history of the Great Race. The team’s 2024 Sandown 500 entry, piloted by Craig Lowndes and Cooper Murray, crossed the checkered flag in an impressive fifth position, securing a dominant one-two-five finish for Triple Eight Race Engineering across the team’s three entries. Murray also secured Triple Eight’s first top ten shootout appearance for the wildcard entry at the Darwin Triple Crown in June.

Supercheap Auto Racing’s 2025 season launch date, livery reveal and event entry announcements will be announced in due course.

Zach Bates, Driver, Supercheap Auto Racing
“I’m absolutely stoked to be joining the Supercheap Auto Racing wildcard next year. It’s been an absolute dream of mine to race in Supercars, and to race with a team like Triple Eight alongside Craig Lowndes is amazing. I’ll have a lot to learn off him which is a great thing, and I can’t wait to get stuck into it.


“My main focus is to learn as much as I can from both Craig and the team. I want to put myself in the best position to secure a full-time drive and I believe this is my best opportunity. There probably hasn’t been a racing situation that Craig hasn’t been involved in, so I can’t wait to pick his brain about everything, both on-and-off track which will be very valuable for me heading into the future.

“I obviously still have a job to do at Adelaide to secure the Super2 championship, but I’m stoked to get this news out. It’s a good way to finish off the year but I’ll still be working very hard over the summer break to get ready for 2025 to maximise this opportunity.


“I want to give a huge thanks to the entire team at Supercheap Auto and Triple Eight Race Engineering for this exciting opportunity. I’d also like to thank Walkinshaw Andretti United for the past couple of years, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the team and look forward to fighting for the Super2 Championship for them in Adelaide. Finally, I want to thank my friends and family for their support in my racing career, and hopefully this is just as exciting for them as it is for me.”

Craig Lowndes, Driver, Supercheap Auto Racing
“Zach’s been quite impressive in the Super2 category the past two years. He’s shown good consistency, and even though we’ve had limited interactions so far, he shows great promise.


“It’s a great opportunity to announce Zach nice and early to both get it out there, but at the same time start laying the foundation with him to set the scene for the early stages, so he knows what he’s up for.

“I’m really proud to be involved in the success of this program over the past three years. It’s great to be able to give back to the sport that I love and share the knowledge and wisdom that I’ve been able to create over the past 30-plus years that I’ve been involved. The program itself is getting bigger and stronger every year, and this year was no doubt the most promising. Building on that momentum I’m looking forward to next year with Zach making it bigger and more super.”

Jamie Whincup, Managing Director, Triple Eight Race Engineering
“I can’t wait to welcome Zach to the Triple Eight family next year and surround him with some of the most talented people in pit lane.

“There’s no doubt the step up from Super2 to Supercars is significant, but with the support of Craig and the #888 crew, Zach will be well prepared to give this opportunity a red-hot crack. I’m a huge believer in an experienced driver partnering with an up-and-coming talent to tackle the two enduro events, and this pairing has just as many opportunities and resources to win as our Red Bull Ampol Racing cars.


“I also want to acknowledge the super contribution of our major partner, Supercheap Auto. They’ve been with Triple Eight since 2021, and their investment in giving young talent a crack at the pinnacle of Australian motorsport shouldn’t go unrecognised.”

Benjamin Ward, Managing Director, Supercheap Auto
“We’re excited to welcome Zach to the Supercheap Auto family in 2025, joining Craig Lowndes in the #888 Wildcard Camaro.

“The Bates name is legendary in motorsport, and we look forward to writing a new chapter with Zach in Supercars.

“Fans can look forward to more super announcements next year, as we prepare for our fifth year of the Supercheap Auto wildcard.”

Bruce Stewart, CEO, Walkinshaw Andretti United
“First and foremost, we are delighted to see Zach get an opportunity in the main game in 2025. He is thoroughly deserving of what’s ahead, he is a fantastic driver, but also a great kid, so we are all rapt for him.

“Of course, we are disappointed that it won’t be with us, but it’s exactly what our Foundation Academy is about, opportunity. It’s also great to see him representing a great partner of ours, Supercheap Auto.

“That’s 2025 though, we are all fully focussed on what’s ahead of him and the Walkinshaw Andretti United team in Adelaide and will be doing everything we possibly can to secure the Super2 Championship, which he currently leads.”

The post Triple Eight welcomes Zach Bates to Supercheap Auto Racing appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]> An Open Letter from Roland Dane https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/an-open-letter-from-roland-dane/ Sun, 15 Dec 2024 23:34:47 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=15756 An Open Letter to the employees, past and present, of Triple Eight Race Engineering, and all those who have worked closely with the team since September 2003. Teneriffe, Brisbane9th December 2024. Friends, Colleagues, Partners, At the end of 2021, as I stepped aside from the role of Managing Director and Team Principal, I agreed with […]

The post An Open Letter from Roland Dane appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>

An Open Letter to the employees, past and present, of Triple Eight Race Engineering, and all those who have worked closely with the team since September 2003.

Teneriffe, Brisbane
9th December 2024.

Friends, Colleagues, Partners,

At the end of 2021, as I stepped aside from the role of Managing Director and Team Principal, I agreed with the shareholders of Triple Eight that I would carry on as non-executive Chairman of the company for at least 12 months.

Now, three years later, I feel that it is time for me to move on from this truly incredible chapter of my life, and stand down from that position at the end of this year.

Over the last two decades, Triple Eight Race Engineering has established itself as the best and most successful professional race team in Australian motorsport history. That’s for one reason, and one reason alone; specifically, the unbelievable group of high calibre folks who have worked for, and with, T8 during those 20 plus years.

Great people, and great commercial partners, have come, and sometimes gone, throughout that period, and others have been there all through the journey to this day.

Top performing sports teams are built on a blend of culture, passion, and single minded drive. Triple Eight remains the epitome of that today and I am truly as proud of the business now as I ever have been.

I therefore thank, from the bottom of my heart, all those who have worked alongside me over the years and helped create the biggest shelf of trophies the sport has ever seen in this country.

Whilst I am incredibly indebted to a huge number of people, many of whom remain friends, and I am hesitant to call out individuals, there are three stars that can’t escape and without whom Triple Eight just couldn’t have succeeded, namely;

Ken McNamara, of KRE Race Engines, the unsung hero of Australian motorsport who has built more race, and championship, winning engines than everyone else combined and just continues to get-shit-done whatever happens;

Nuri Paterson, the “mother” of the Triple Eight team since 2005 in her position as Chief Financial Officer and everything else besides! My brick through thick and thin, who truly understood my philosophy that there’s only ever two places money can be; in our account or not in our account; 

And a certain Craig Lowndes who believed my, highly effective (oft employed and for which I make no apologies), used car dealer spiel back in 2004, and has remained loyal to the team ever since. Without CL, it would have been a hell of a lot harder to create the juggernaut that T8 is today. Our first race winner and a Bathurst superstar.

I leave the team in great hands. The shareholder group is the best in the pit lane and more than capable of giving Jamie and the team the support required behind the scenes.

My final formal act as Chairman has been to propose, and endorse, the election of Rex Devantier to that position, effective 1.1.25. Rex has worked with TQ since Big Ben was a wristwatch and is very well qualified to keep the Board in order and on track. He’s a behind-the-scenes kind of guy and that’s exactly what Triple Eight needs now.

No-one at T8 has ever really worked for me, but hundreds have worked with me and come out of the trenches alongside me. The success over the years has been yours as much as it’s been mine and you’ve all made me look better than I really am.

I can only say that it’s been an honour and a privilege to be a part of this almost implausible ride, and the memories will remain with me so long as I’m the right side of the turf. Thank you all.

All the very best, RD.

The post An Open Letter from Roland Dane appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]> Supercheap Auto Racing ready to rumble at Sandown https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/supercheap-auto-racing-ready-to-rumble-at-sandown/ Tue, 03 Sep 2024 07:26:29 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=15431 Cooper Murray, Car #888 “I’m feeling really good. Both Craig and I are in a good space, and both are very comfortable with the car. We are giving the same feedback as well, which is always a positive in these endurance events. So, I’m ready to crack on with Sandown. I’m enjoying the improvement in […]

The post Supercheap Auto Racing ready to rumble at Sandown appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>

Cooper Murray, Car #888

“I’m feeling really good. Both Craig and I are in a good space, and both are very comfortable with the car. We are giving the same feedback as well, which is always a positive in these endurance events. So, I’m ready to crack on with Sandown. I’m enjoying the improvement in myself, especially after having more laps in the car at Darwin. I feel a lot more comfortable than I was heading into Darwin than for Sandown next weekend, which is really positive. Me and Craig were able to get through some good driver change practices as well, so we feel quite comfortable with them as well. I’m honestly just looking forward to enjoying my first Supercar endurance race. It’s going to be my first enduro with the team and Craig so it’s going to be an extra special weekend, so I just want to make sure I enjoy it as much as wanting to get a good result.”

Craig Lowndes, Car #888

“I’m really confident the test day has gone well. Something that we needed to do to get the fundamentals right. Pit stop practice has been improving and I think that that’s probably something that we need to work on a little bit more. But, it’s the first time Cooper has made any sort of driver changes, and we are getting there. I think it’s simply getting into a routine more than anything. However, the actual testing of the car has been sensational. Both Cooper and I have been reading the car the same and responding the same. We like the car the same, which is even better. So those are massive positives from today.  So, I’m confident about what we’ve got out of today, and looking forward to getting forward to Sandown. The best and most beneficial thing for Cooper was doing the Darwin round. I think it grew a lot of confidence coming from that. Extremely keen and a very determined driver. He’s got a great ability. He just needs to put it all together. And at the moment we are putting him under all the pressure we can that he’s probably going to face over the next couple of meetings and he’s responding well. He’s learning a lot and he’s taking everything on board. I love being back in the car. I think it’s something that I’ve missed a little bit. It is nice to be back in it. I think that we will have a good, strong, showing over the course of Sandown and Bathurst, and I’m really pumped to try and give Cooper the best result we can. The best result has been eighth so far in this Supercheap Auto Racing program, and we want to better that. I’m pumped, I’m feeling comfortable in the car, and the ergonomics are great in the car – getting in and out of it’s a little bit different – but it was the same last year. So, all in all, really pumped.”

The post Supercheap Auto Racing ready to rumble at Sandown appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]> Triple Eight welcomes new strategic ownership, farewells Jessica Dane https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/triple-eight-welcomes-new-strategic-ownership-farewells-jessica-dane-draft/ Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:45:00 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=15278 Triple Eight welcomes Earl Evans and Steve Blackmore, who have purchased a combined 30% equity stake in the team. Both Earl and Steve will join the board of Triple Eight, effective immediately. Jessica Dane will step back from her role as shareholder and board member, effective immediately. Tony Quinn retains his 40% equity stake in […]

The post Triple Eight welcomes new strategic ownership, farewells Jessica Dane appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>
  • Triple Eight welcomes Earl Evans and Steve Blackmore, who have purchased a combined 30% equity stake in the team.
  • Both Earl and Steve will join the board of Triple Eight, effective immediately.
  • Jessica Dane will step back from her role as shareholder and board member, effective immediately.
  • Tony Quinn retains his 40% equity stake in the team.
  • Jamie Whincup will continue to serve as Triple Eight Managing Director and Team Principal.
  • Roland Dane will continue as non-executive chairman of Triple Eight.

Triple Eight Race Engineering welcomes Earl Evans and Steve Blackmore to the team, who have purchased Jessica Dane’s 30% share of the championship-winning Brisbane-based outfit.

Both Earl and Steve have established themselves over the last two decades as some of Australia’s most distinguished businessmen, holding the CEO roles of their respective businesses; Shaw and Partners Financial Services and Southern Cross Truck Rentals. They are both avid motorsport fans, sponsoring various motorsport teams and drivers through their respective business portfolios. Both bring extensive experience as proven business operators, having navigated numerous economic cycles.

Jessica boasts 15 years of experience in various roles at the Banyo-based powerhouse, which included positions in sub-assembly, Team Coordinator, Communications Manager and Team Manager. She became a co-owner of the team in 2015, before relocating to the United States at the end of 2023 where she currently holds the position of Motorsports Integration Manager at General Motors.

The restructured shareholdings see Jamie Whincup, who bought into the business in 2018, retain his 30% ownership in the team, as well as Tony Quinn who retains his 40% stake. Former Triple Eight Owner and Managing Director, Roland Dane, will remain as the team’s non-Executive Chairman.

The transition of ownership will take immediate effect. Triple Eight’s focus is fully on delivering the best results possible on and off the track for our partners, fans and stakeholders this year and into the future.

Jamie Whincup, Managing Director, Triple Eight Race Engineering: “I’m thrilled to announce these exciting strategic changes as it prepares Triple Eight for the next phase of growth.

“Firstly, we can’t ignore Jess’ enormous contribution to the team over her incredible tenure. She has been an invaluable member of the Triple Eight family since day dot working in all facets of the business. We understand Jess’s commitment to her career aspirations in the US, and we know she will always remain connected to the foundations her father RD (Roland Dane) built.

“In saying that, we are thrilled to welcome Earl and Steve to our shareholder group. Their wealth of business experience will enhance our team and support our continued evolution, strengthening our current programs and engaging new opportunities. Their passion and expertise align perfectly with our vision for the future, and I’m excited to see where we can take it.”

Jessica Dane, Former Shareholder, Triple Eight Race Engineering: “This has certainly been one of the most difficult decisions of my life.

“I’m incredibly proud of what Triple Eight has achieved over the years and honoured to have been able to play a small part along the way. However, I know it’s the right decision. While I’ve lived in the US, I’ve hated that I can only give a fraction of my time, energy and capacity to a team that means so very much to me.

“Some of my earliest memories are at British race tracks in the mid-90s watching the Triple Eight Race Engineering Vauxhall Vectras cutting laps in the British Touring Car Championship. The team has literally been in my family since those days! Additionally, I need to be able to give my all to settling into life in the US and every obligation I have in Australia detracts from that, which I don’t feel is fair for Triple Eight.

“I am delighted that two such passionate people in Earl and Steve are joining Triple Eight. While their business experience is undoubtedly an asset for the board of directors, I felt very strongly that the team deserves people who care about the success and longevity of motorsport as a whole.

“I am very grateful to them for this opportunity to hand 30% of Triple Eight over to people who I know in my gut want the best for the sport, as well as every single member of the team, present and past, who has contributed to some of my very best life memories.”

Earl Evans, Shareholder, Triple Eight Race Engineering: “I was looking for an equity stake in a Supercars team and a business of large scale and size that excelled outside of Supercars, in this case Triple Eight’s engineering and manufacturing entity. Obviously, the team’s success was an added attraction, and there’s certainly a challenge ahead to maintain that success, but at the end of the day it was a perfect fit for me.

“I’ve followed Supercars since I was very young. I’ve watched every Bathurst and every Sandown since I was five years old and have now followed the series for over five decades, so I know the sport very well. I had a taste of Supercars as a sponsor over the past couple of years, and the next logical step was to take an equity position and to take on ownership, that’s why I was looking around in the sport for an opportunity and that’s when this presented itself.

“Our job will be to sit on the board, and my role will be to support the current structure that’s been wildly successful in whatever way I can, whether that be in the commercial space, my business experience or other ways. Essentially, I will be there to support Jamie (Whincup, Managing Director) and the team to continue with its success – that’s my vison. I’ve been in business for 35-years and have a lot of contacts, so hopefully I can break open my rolodex to help the team whoever might be needed.

“5000-percent you will see my face at plenty of Supercars races into the future, I’m so excited to get stuck into it. With the added responsibilities of team ownership, I’m looking forward to amassing myself with this great team wherever I can. I know this team is there to compete and win races at the end of the day, but to me, it was a natural progression to go from team sponsor to team owner, and when Triple Eight came along it was a no brainer.”

Steve Blackmore, Shareholder, Triple Eight Race Engineering: “Having owned multiple companies over the past 20 years, the prospect of buying into an established and successful business in Triple Eight Race Engineering was really exciting.

“Having had a passion for motorsport that goes back to my childhood, in recent years I had been involved as a personal sponsor of athletes in the sport and teams through my numerous businesses, which fueled my desire to purchase an equity stake in a team.

“I had been looking for an opportunity to transition from sponsor to investor in the sport and the opportunity at Triple Eight was both a perfect opportunity and fit. Triple Eight is without peer in the sport in my opinion and it has a proven track record of delivering results that are consistently the best in motorsports in Australia.

“The opportunity to invest is achievable as the company is self-sufficient with its existing structure, processes and systems and I’ll be able to enjoy participating as a part owner whilst the business not being dependent on me to operate.”

Want to see more of Red Bull Ampol Racing?

Check out our social channels below!

Instagram Facebook

The post Triple Eight welcomes new strategic ownership, farewells Jessica Dane appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]> Red Bull Commits to Two-Year Extension with Triple Eight https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/red-bull-commits-to-two-year-extension-with-triple-eight/ Mon, 09 Aug 2021 21:49:00 +0000 https://www.redbullampolracing.com.au/?p=13228 Triple Eight Race Engineering is excited to announce that co-naming rights partner, Red Bull, has committed to the Supercars Championship by securing a further two years with the team. Alongside Ampol as co-naming rights partner of Red Bull Ampol Racing, the renewal will see the partnership celebrate 10 years in 2022. Red Bull has been partnered with Triple Eight since taking naming […]

The post Red Bull Commits to Two-Year Extension with Triple Eight appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>

Triple Eight Race Engineering is excited to announce that co-naming rights partner, Red Bull, has committed to the Supercars Championship by securing a further two years with the team. Alongside Ampol as co-naming rights partner of Red Bull Ampol Racing, the renewal will see the partnership celebrate 10 years in 2022.

Red Bull has been partnered with Triple Eight since taking naming rights of the team in 2013. Since then, the team have achieved a staggering four drivers’ championships, five teams’ championships, and over one hundred race wins.

“Triple Eight are thrilled to have Red Bull renew their co-naming rights partnership with the team for the next two years, which will see our relationship extend past a decade in the sport. The entire team at Red Bull have been phenomenal partners of ours, and I’m grateful that they’ve continued to place their faith in us to represent their brand at a high level, continuing the successful joint-naming rights partnership with Ampol. I’ve always been proud to say that we’re one of the leading Red Bull teams in the world, and hopefully our success both on and off the track will continue to go from strength to strength,” said Triple Eight Managing Director, Roland Dane. 

Miles Wilson, Managing Director of Red Bull Australia echoed the importance of the relationship: “At Red Bull we are immensely proud of the past decade of partnership with Triple Eight, that has produced 113 race wins, four driver championships and five team championships. We look forward to supporting the community of Australian motorsport by giving wiiings to this partnership and its success in the years ahead.” 

Red Bull Ampol Racing driver and future Triple Eight Managing Director Jamie Whincup added: “It’s great to have Red Bull and Triple Eight deepen their decade long commitment to the racing community for season 2022 and beyond. We are proud to partner with an innovative and supportive brand like Red Bull, who are fully committed to the Supercars category, the drivers and our fans” 

The whole team at Triple Eight welcomes the extended partnership with Red Bull, and is committed to delivering the best possible results, both on and off the track.

The post Red Bull Commits to Two-Year Extension with Triple Eight appeared first on Red Bull Ampol Racing Team.

]]>