The worst kept secret of the Supercars silly season has been confirmed with Nick Percat reuniting with Walkinshaw Andretti United for 2022.
Forming one of the strongest driver line-ups on the grid teaming with Chaz Mostert, Percat swaps with the driver he replaces as Bryce Fullwood confirmed his move to Brad Jones Racing this morning.
Enjoying a long association with the Clayton-based organisation, Percat first carried Walkinshaw Performance branding on his Sonic Motor Racing Services Formula Ford in 2008.
Winning the Australian Formula Ford Championship the next year, Percat competed under the Walkinshaw Racing in 2010 in the Fujitsu Series (now Super2) in the latter rounds before undertaking a full campaign the following season.
Making his Repco Supercars Championship debut partnering Andrew Thompson in the 2010 Phillip Island 500, Percat went onto win the Bathurst 1000 on his maiden appearance alongside Garth Tander in what was the final victory for the Holden Racing Team at the Mountain the next year.
It wasn’t until 2014 Percat undertook his maiden full-time Repco Supercars Championship campaign where he finished 12th including third at that year’s Bathurst 1000, partnered by international sports car ace Oliver Gavin.
After stints at Lucas Dumbrell Racing and Brad Jones Racing where he has accrued three wins, Percat returns to the Walkinshaw fold.
“I am extremely excited and grateful to be joining Walkinshaw Andretti United,” said Percat.
“Having been with the Walkinshaw family during my junior days in Formula Ford and Super2 this is where I feel at home.
“I’ve dreamt of having my name next to the No. 2 from a very young age and now for it to be reality is amazing.
“I cannot wait to repay the faith to the team, especially Ryan [Walkinshaw] and Martine [Walkinshaw].
“The Walkinshaw family has been a huge part of my career since 2007.”
Walkinshaw Andretti United team co-owner Ryan Walkinshaw welcomed Percat back into the organisation.
“Nick and my family share a great history together, and I’m excited at the opportunity to add to that going forward.
“We saw what a talent Nick was from a young age, working with him as he climbed the ranks into a main game driver and a Bathurst winner, and now to have him back home is really fitting.
“He’s a fantastic driver, and his performances prove he belongs in the conversation of the top drivers in the category.
“Our short-term focus is on the remainder of 2021. We can’t wait to get back racing with Chaz and Bryce [Fullwood], and will look to finish the year on a high.
“No one needs any more motivation than winning Bathurst to finish the year, but I’m also looking forward to 2022, as we continue to work towards bringing this team back to the front.”
Percat’s confirmation leaves four seats to be confirmed for next year’s Repco Supercars Championship season.