ZACH Bates will get his first full-time shot at the Repco Supercars Championship next year with Matt Stone Racing.
Bates will join Jack Le Brocq in an overhauled driver line-up, with the 2024 Super2 title winner confirmed to take over the Bendix-backed Camaro from the retiring Nick Percat.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Matt Stone Racing and stepping up to the Supercars Championship full-time next year,” said Bates.
“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.”
Pic: Supplied
Team owner Matt Stone said: “Zach is an exceptional young talent and we’ve been watching his progress closely.
“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.”
The 21-year-old becomes the fifth rookie confirmed to graduate onto the 2026 grid.
“Nick put the Bendix team on the map with some high-profile wins and we are looking forward to seeing Zach on the podium,” added Bendix CEO George Kyriakopoulos.
While Le Brocq has confirmed to drive the #4 next year, it has not been specified whether the #10 will carry across from Percat to Bates.
There is now just one 2026 seat left up for grabs: the Blanchard Racing Team drive currently occupied by Aaron Cameron.
Cameron is the firm favourite to be renewed.