Following much speculation, reigning Dunlop Super2 winner and recent Triple Eight Race Engineering Wildcard driver Zach Bates will graduate to the Repco Supercars Championship with Matt Stone Racing.
Bates will replace veteran Nick Percat at Matt Stone Racing in a complete line-up change as Jack Le Brocq returns to the team to fill the seat vacated by Brad Jones Racing-bound Cam Hill.
Achieving the Dunlop Super2 Series victory in 2024 as part of Walkinshaw Andretti United squad, Bates received his first taste of Supercars action via the Triple Eight Wildcard program where he impressed in his debut appearance at Queensland Raceway and the Ryco Enduro Cup.
“Zach is an exceptional young talent and we’ve been watching his progress closely,” said team owner Matt Stone.
“He’s shown maturity, speed and a great attitude — everything we look for in a driver.
“We’re excited to give him his shot in the Bendix Racing Camaro and continue developing the next generation of Supercars drivers.”
Bates comes from a successful bloodline as father Rick was a driving all-rounder, uncle Neal is a multiple Australian Rally Championship winner, while cousins Harry and Lewis have also achieved titles off the tarmac.
His first appearance in the Bathurst 1000 carried extra meaning after the loss of his mother Alison Drower in the weeks leading up to the event.
This marks the next step for Bates and continues the trend towards younger drivers this silly season.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Matt Stone Racing and stepping up to the Supercars Championship full-time next year,” he said.
“This is a dream come true. MSR has a great track record with young drivers, and the opportunity to represent Bendix Racing in my rookie season is really special.
“I can’t wait to get stuck in and learn as much as I can from the team.”
Five rookies consisting of Bates, Rylan Gray Jobe Stewart, Jayden Ojeda and Jackson Walls will join the championship in 2026.
Just the Blanchard Racing Team’s second seat remains open, though Aaron Cameron is believed to be favourite to remain.