GROVE Racing has secured half of its new co-driver lineup for next year’s Enduro Cup, confirming that Tim Slade will join the team for 2026.
The Bathurst 1000-winning Ford squad were slated to have two new recruits alongside Matt Payne and Kai Allen next year, following Garth Tander’s retirement and its decision to part ways with Dale Wood.
Slade will fill one of those berths, thought to be a on two-year deal that will put him in Allen’s #26 Mustang at The Bend and Mount Panorama next year.
The 40-year-old arrives at the team off the back of a strong run with Matt Stone Racing alongside Nick Percat in this year’s enduros, delivering a fifth-place finish at The Bend before an engine-cruelled run at Bathurst.
Slade is expected to turn his first Grove Mustang laps at the post-event Sandown ride day tomorrow.
Meanwhile, V8 Sleuth understands Will Davison is leading the race for the co-drive alongside Matt Payne in the team’s #19 entry.