Prodrive Racing (Australia) co-drivers Dean Canto and Steve Owen have both re-signed with the reigning Supercars Championship-winning team until at least the end of 2018.

The highly-experienced pair have recommitted to the squad for at least the next two Enduro Cup campaigns, extending their successful tenures with the Ford team.

Canto will enter his 10th season with the team next year and has been a consistent frontrunner in his co-driver role.

“I am very happy to be staying at Prodrive Racing and look forward to my 10th and 11th seasons with the team,” the two-time Dunlop Series Champion said.

“Being a co-driver you need to be comfortable with the team and just plug into their program when the enduros arrive. Having been at this team, for what will be 10 years next year; I am very comfortable and had no hesitation in signing a new deal. 

“The crew even pinned me down on the Sunday night at the Gold Coast and made me sign a piece of paper to say I was staying. It’s a nice feeling to know they want you around. 

“I’ve enjoyed success here, I am enjoying driving with Frosty and look forward to pairing with him again next year.”

In 2017 Owen will enter his fifth season as a Prodrive Racing co-driver.

With a Sandown 500 win and a Bathurst 1000 runner-up result already with the team, he is keen for more success with new partner, Chaz Mostert.

“It’s great to be continuing with the team for another couple of years at least and I am aiming to add to the success we’ve had,” Owen said.

“I’ve driven with a few different drivers since I joined in 2013 but the great thing with this team is no matter what car you are in, or what driver you are with, you always have the opportunity to win.

“I’ve enjoyed driving with Chaz so it is great to know we will be continuing our partnership next year.”

Prodrive Racing Team Principal, Tim Edwards welcomed the contract extensions of two of the most experienced co-drivers in the field.

“I am very happy that Dean and Steve had re-committed to the team until at least the end of 2018,” Edwards said. 

“Not only are they both great drivers who do an amazing job, but they fit so well into our team culture which is critical for co-drivers who drop into the team at such a critical time each season.

“Between them they’ve started more than 35 Bathurst 1000s so they are very experienced and both are quick, consistent and provide valuable feedback.

“Their extensions provide great stability to our program and compliment the long-term deals we have with Mark and Chaz who they will be driving with again next year.”

Prodrive Racing is looking to end the year on a high at the final event of the season where it is also aiming to wrap up consecutive Dunlop Series championships.