IT’S official: Cooper Murray won’t just be joining PremiAir Racing for the coming month and a half.

Rather, the Peter Xiberras-owned team has announced next week’s Gold Coast 500 will be the start of a multi-year deal that will see Murray in PremiAir colours until at least the end of 2028.

“Cooper has signed up with us for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, so it makes sense to have him onboard now for the end of the current campaign. We’re thrilled to have him joining us,” said Xiberras.

News broke yesterday that Murray will shift from Erebus Motorsport to PremiAir with immediate effect. He replaces Declan Fraser, while Jarrod Hughes slots into the #99 seat on a three-round trial.

Cooper Murray and Lochie Dalton were strong throughout the Bathurst 1000. Pic: Mark Walker

This marks the third time in PremiAir’s five-year Supercars existence that it has swung a mid-season driver change: Garry Jacobson was axed for James Golding in 2022, and Richie Stanaway was dismissed post-Gold Coast last year to get Jayden Ojeda a headstart.

“We’re grateful to Declan for his efforts this year in the team, but we want to prepare ourselves for 2027 as early as possible, and the opportunity to put Cooper into the car now cannot be passed up, as it will only benefit our program development for next season,” explained PremiAir team principal Roland Dane.

“We wish Declan the best for the future.”

MORE: Fraser breaks silence on in-season axing

Now, the Chevrolet squad is formally out of the silly season market, with a fascinating line-up of Ojeda and Murray up its sleeve.

Ojeda has been very good throughout his rookie campaign and should absolutely be a finals contender in 2027; Murray has speed to burn, as was abundantly obvious at Bathurst, and ought to be challenging for trophies sooner than later.

“I’m excited to be joining PremiAir Racing and getting started with the team at the Gold Coast. With 2027 and 2028 locked in, these final three events give us a great opportunity to start working together and build towards next season,” said Murray, 25.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know the engineers and crew, understanding how the team operates and getting comfortable in the Camaro. It’s also great to continue within the GM Motorsports family.

“Thank you to Peter and Roland for the opportunity and their belief in me. I’m keen to get to work and make the most of these remaining rounds.”