Fans invited to wildcard launch

Fans are invited to experience the reveal of Team 18’s Supercheap Auto wildcard entry firsthand at the team’s Mount Waverley race centre on Saturday March 18.

The free event will run from 9:00am to 12:00pm and will mark the official unveiling of the 2026 Supercheap Auto Racing Chevrolet Camaro to be driven by seven-time Bathurst 1000 winner Craig Lowndes and rising star Bayley Hall.

It will be the first Supercheap Auto wildcard launch for Lowndes with Team 18, who recently assumed homologation responsibilities for Chevrolet in Supercars.

Hall is set to contest the Ipswich Super440 as a solo wildcard entry before partnering with Lowndes at The Bend Enduro and the Bathurst 1000 later in the season.

Fans attending the event will also have the opportunity to meet Team 18’s 2026 main game drivers, including Sydney race winner Anton De Pasquale and 2017 Bathurst champion David Reynolds, along with co-drivers Lee Holdsworth and James Courtney.

A dedicated autograph session will take place during the morning, with additional activities including racing simulators, giveaways, entertainment, face painting, coffee and warm doughnuts, plus an HSV Owners Club of Victoria display.

“I’m really excited to continue my partnership with Supercheap Auto and to keep building what we’ve created with the wildcard program. A big part of that is mentoring the next generation of drivers and helping give them a platform to shine, which is something I really enjoy being part of,” Lowndes said.

“To now continue that journey with Team 18 makes it even more exciting. Launching the 2026 Supercheap Auto Camaro here in Melbourne and inviting the fans to come down, see the car up close and spend some time with us is always special. There’s nothing better than sharing these moments in person and kicking off the season together.”

Hall said he is excited to be part of the program with Lowndes.

“This is something I’m incredibly grateful for, and unveiling the car in front of the fans makes it feel very real,” Hall said.

“Ipswich will be a big moment for me running solo, and then teaming up with Craig for The Bend and Bathurst is what every young driver dreams about. I can’t wait to see the finished livery and kick the year off properly at the launch.”

Team 18 Team Owner, Charlie Schwerkolt, it was a proud moment for the team.

“We’re incredibly excited to open the doors of Team 18 and welcome fans into our Mount Waverley Race Centre to launch our Supercheap Auto wildcard program,” he said.

“It’s going to be a great morning for fans. There will be plenty to see and do, from the livery reveal and autograph sessions to simulators and family activities. Most importantly; it’s a chance for everyone to celebrate the next chapter of Lowndesy’s incredible career, meet Bayley as he begins his journey, and spend time with Anton, David and the wider Team 18 crew.”

Fans can RSVP their attendance via the Supercheap Auto Event Page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/1CLyirGTdh/