![\"MSR](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2025-Supercars-Queensland-Raceway-Testing-Evaluation-Z81_7147_.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tZach Bates. Image: Richard Gresham \/ Speedcafe<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tZach Bates. Image: Richard Gresham \/ Speedcafe<\/p>\n
MSR has confirmed the promotion of Bates, 21, alongside team returnee Jack Le Brocq in its 2026 line-up.<\/p>\n
Bates starred on his Supercars Championship debut at Ipswich in August, driving Triple Eight\u2019s Supercheap Auto wildcard entry that he then shared with Craig Lowndes in the Enduro Cup.<\/p>\n
He steps up following three years in the Super2 Series that included winning the title in 2024.<\/p>\n
\u201cZach is an exceptional young talent and we\u2019ve been watching his progress closely,\u201d said team owner Matt Stone.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s shown maturity, speed and a great attitude \u2014 everything we look for in a driver.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re excited to give him his shot in the Bendix Racing Camaro and continue developing the next generation of Supercars drivers.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Bates is one of Australian motorsport\u2019s most famous surnames, thanks largely to success in rallying.<\/p>\n
The son of Rick and nephew of Neal, Zach opted to follow a tarmac racing path from karts to Formula Ford, Toyota 86s and into Supercars.<\/p>\n
He made his Bathurst 1000 debut in October just weeks after the passing of mother Alison Drower, who also played an enormous role in his career.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m absolutely thrilled to be joining Matt Stone Racing and stepping up to the Supercars Championship full-time next year,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t wait to get stuck in and learn as much as I can from the team.\u201d<\/p>\n