Coulthard and Ojeda for enduros
James Crocker reports that WAU has announced its drivers for The Bend 500 and Bathurst 1000
By James Crocker
Walkinshaw Andretti United has announced its pairings for the Endurance Cup, with Fabian Coulthard switching seats to rejoin Chaz Mostert, whilst returning recruit Jayden Ojeda will partner with fellow young gun Ryan Wood.
It’s a full circle moment for Ojeda, who returns to the team where he made his maiden solo Supercars starts in 2022, with the young star saying it feels like he never left.
“It’s great to be back with the Walkinshaw Andretti United family; it’s been a couple years since I’ve been with the team, although they have made me feel like I am at home, it doesn’t feel like I ever left,” he said.
“Ryan has shown he isn’t here to play around this year. The momentum he and the team are building is really exciting. I’m looking forward to pairing up with him this season.
“With the new format, the pressure is on us co-drivers to help the main drivers stay or get into the top 10 for the Finals. It’s more important than ever that we get up to speed quickly and keep it clean out on the track.”
It’s also a reunion for the veteran Coulthard, who joins Mostert, having spent two years across the garage in the #2 car. The pair’s previous 1000 in 2022 saw them finish runners up and Coulthard, who will contest his 22nd Great Race, is looking to go one better.
“It’s a bit of a reunion being paired up with Chaz again this endurance season. The last time we were paired together we placed 2nd at the Bathurst 1000, although the goal will be one step higher this year,” he said.
“When you get to go racing with your mates it doesn’t feel like work. Race weekends with the WAU crew are always fun, but when the visor goes down it’s full focus to get the job done.
“I’ve spent a bit of time in the car this year for ride days with the crew. The team has done a great job building on last year’s car. I’m looking forward to getting a couple more laps in before The Bend and Bathurst.”
WAU’s announcement leaves just two open seats on the grid, with partners for Richie Stanaway at PremiAir and Cameron Crick in the wildcard Matt Stone Racing entry yet to be confirmed.
