WALKINSHAW Andretti United CEO Bruce Stewart has come out in support of Gen3 Supercars not being introduced to the Dunlop Super2 Series for 2027.
A minority of Repco Supercars Championship teams – understood to include Triple Eight, Brad Jones Racing and the Blanchard Racing Team – are in favour of Gen3 machinery debuting in the feeder series in less than 18 months’ time, but Stewart has cautioned against such a move.
The majority of ‘main game’ team owners and independent Super2 teams (ie. cars in Super2 not run by championship teams such as Tickford, Triple Eight, BJR, BRT and WAU) are in favour of Gen3 not being introduced until 2028 at the earliest, allowing teams that invested in ZB Commodores and Mustang Gen2 cars to recoup value on their investment in machinery over at least five years, rather than just four.
Despite the fact WAU will not continue in Super2 next year and concentrate on its role as Toyota homologation team with the brand-new GR Supra in the main championship, Stewart says the independent Super2 teams, such as Image Racing, Eggleston Motorsport, Anderson Motorsport and Todd Kelly’s operation, need to be strongly considered in the future direction of the series.
“I’m an advocate of what’s best for the sport,” Stewart told V8 Sleuth.
“Of course, we would love to see the beautiful new GR Supra in the Dunlop Series as soon as possible, but ultimately, I believe it’s better for Toyota and everyone concerned if the second-tier championship is robust, strong and a great pipeline for future talent … who then might end up in a main game Supra.
“Those independent teams need to be considered in the eco system, they are the heartbeat of the category.
“The sport needs to work long and hard on the business case for it to make sure it stacks up and not be a simple, immediate sugar hit for teams (selling Gen3 machinery).
“You need that mix of independent teams and main game teams to ensure the pipeline of talent into the main game is strong.
WAU runs a pair of ZB Commodores in this year’s Super2 Series for Campbell Logan (above) and Matt Hillyer. Photo: Mark Walker.
“So much young talent has come through those independent teams over the years, whether it’s Will Brown, Jobe Stewart or Jordan Boys and so many more.
“Super2 is amazing, full of talent and the fact is if we don’t ensure the wellbeing of those independent teams, it would be very detrimental to the Super2 category.
“Also, how do you ensure a Gen3 Super2 car is controlled and different enough to be cheap enough to run for those teams and, also, not simply be used as a testing mule by the main game teams?
“The integrity of having a full grid of Super2 cars depends on having a car that independent teams can afford to buy and run.”
The final round of this year’s Dunlop Super2 Series will be held at the bp Adelaide Grand Final at the end of November.