6 December, 2017

Following an outstanding second season as a co-driver in the Supercars ranks for Prodrive Racing (Australia), Kiwi Richie Stanaway is set to achieve a lifelong dream as he becomes a full time driver in Australia’s premiere racing series. The 26-year old has inked a multi-year deal with Prodrive Racing, completing the four-car assembly with which the team will contest the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship.

 

After an impressive run as a co-driver to Chris Pither for PRA customer entry Super Black Racing in 2016, Stanaway was placed alongside 23-year old Cameron Waters for the 2017 Pirtek Enduro Cup campaign. The pair won on debut from pole at the Sandown 500 in September, led 63 laps at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, and placed runners up in the Saturday race at the Gold Coast 600 in October en route to third place in the Enduro Cup standings.

 

Stanaway’s promotion to a full time seat supplements an already expansive racing resume which includes stints in single seaters, sports cars, and touring cars. He is the only full time driver to have competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and also boasts race victories in the World Endurance Championship, Formula 2, and GP3 in addition to his Sandown win earlier this year.
 

“Obviously it’s good to have everything ready,” said Stanaway, who will pilot the No. 56 Ford Falcon FG X in 2018. “It’s been coming along for a while, but it’s good to finally have the deal done. It’s been a childhood dream for me to race in Supercars, so it’s great to check that off the bucket list.”

 

While expectations are understandably high, Stanaway aims to remain practical in his maiden full time season and absorb as much as he can throughout the year.

 

“The first objective is always just to get into the series,” he said, “but there’s a big difference between participating in the sport and being successful. I’m aware that I’ve got a long road ahead of me and a lot to learn, but I’m really motivated. I’m putting my best foot forward, and want to learn as much as I possibly can in my rookie season. I’m expecting it to be tough, that’s just a realistic approach.”