Walkinshaw Andretti United rules out Bathurst wildcard entry

Walkinshaw Andretti United has ruled out fielding a wildcard entry in this year’s Repco Bathurst 1000.

The Ford team had been linked with a third entry at Bathurst, retaining the services of Warren Luff despite recruiting Lee Holdsworth and having Fabian Coulthard alongside Chaz Mostert and Nick Percat respectively.

With the wildcard entry ruled out, Walkinshaw Andretti United has loaned out Luff to Team 18 where he will partner Scott Pye.

“Walkinshaw Andretti United has today announced it will not be fielding a wildcard entry into the 2023 Supercars endurance season, including the Bathurst 1000,” said Walkinshaw Andretti United in a team statement.

“The team had investigated the opportunity, which included retaining Warren Luff as a driver for 2023, but ultimately, the costs associated with bringing the programme to life were untenable in the current climate.

“From there, the team’s first priority was to ensure that Luff was able to find an endurance drive.

“Luff will still remain with the team in his role as driver development advisor in the Walkinshaw Andretti United Super2 programme.”

Team principal Bruce Stewart added: “We were really keen to run a wildcard entry this year at Sandown and Bathurst, but ultimately, with all that has occurred with Gen3 and the costs associated, it unfortunately wasn’t feasible.

“As soon as we made the decision not to progress, our first priority was ensuring that Luffy was on the grid this year, because it’s where he belongs.

“It’s disappointing not to bring it to life, Luffy was retained with us for a reason, but it’s something no doubt we will look to do in the future.”