ANTON De Pasquale will remain in DeWalt colours next season after Team 18 signed a two-year extension with Stanley Black & Decker.
That will take the relationship between team and sponsor to 12 years in total.
DeWalt had underpinned the #20 entry of Scott Pye in seasons 2020-21 before shifting to the other side of the garage to De Pasquale’s predecessor Mark Winterbottom (who had previously been backed by sister brand Irwin).
“Stanley Black & Decker has been part of Team 18’s journey for more than a decade now, and this extension means a great deal to everyone in our organisation,” said team owner Charlie Schwerkolt.
“To reach 12 years together speaks volumes about the strength of the relationship and the value we’ve built over that time.
“2025 was a breakthrough season for our team, and to have DeWalt and Stanley Black & Decker commit to the next phase of our story, especially as we step into the Chevrolet Racing homologation role, gives us enormous confidence heading into 2026 and beyond.”
De Pasquale added: “2025 was a really special season for me personally and for everyone at Team 18. Coming into a new environment, we set some big goals together, and to deliver three podiums, consistent front-row pace and finish eighth in the championship shows just how much work went in behind the scenes.
Anton De Pasquale. Pic: Supplied
“What I’m most proud of is the consistency we built across the year and the way the team continued to lift its level.
“To help drive Team 18 to its best-ever teams’ championship finish and into the Finals Series was hugely rewarding, and it’s something we can really build on.
“To have DeWalt and Stanley Black & Decker commit for another two seasons means a lot. They’ve backed the team for a long time now and it’s exciting to extend that into an exciting new chapter as Chevrolet’s homologation partner.
“I’m confident we can keep pushing forward and fight even closer to the front in 2026 and beyond.”