United Autosports exits Supercars enterprise forward of McLaren Hypercar programme

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United Autosports will exit its Supercars three way partnership to concentrate on its different commitments, together with McLaren’s manufacturing facility Hypercar programme within the World Endurance Championship from 2027.

As per the settlement, Walkinshaw Group and Andretti’s father or mother firm TWG International will consolidate their possession and purchase United’s current shareholding within the outfit.

The change will come into impact on 3 February and can see the group rebrand as Walkinshaw TWG Racing.

With this announcement, Supercars turns into the second class United will depart in 2026, having additionally handed over the operating of McLaren’s LMGT3 effort to Storage 59.

Many of the Anglo-American group’s sources subsequent yr will likely be directed in the direction of the event of McLaren’s new LMDh prototype, which can debut within the WEC’s high class in 2027.

“It was an extremely tough resolution to step away from Walkinshaw Andretti United, one which we didn’t take evenly. However with our WEC program and different racing commitments rising quickly, the time was proper to place our full focus and power into that,” stated United co-owner Zak Brown.

“Personally, I’ve cherished each second with all the group, with the drivers, and being concerned in Supercars. To win the championship in our ultimate occasion collectively looks like the right ending, but in addition, the Bathurst 10000 win is one thing that I’ll always remember.

“The game itself is in nice form, it’s no-doubt among the best racing classes on the planet. I wish to thank the group for not solely welcoming us in 2018, however for all of the exhausting work and dedication since.”

Ryan Walkinshaw from Walkinshaw Andretti United and Zak Brown

Photograph by: Edge Photographics

Walkinshaw Andretti United was shaped in 2018 when United Autosports and Andretti Autosport joined forces with Ryan Walkinshaw within the erstwhile manufacturing facility Holden squad. Andretti and Walkinshaw every took a 37.5% stake within the rejigged organisation, with United buying the remaining 25%.

Throughout its eight-year stint in Australia’s greatest championship, WAU achieved loads of success in opposition to stern opposition from Dick Johnson Racing and Triple Eight Racing, scoring 17 victories in whole – together with on the Bathurst 1000 in 2021.

It added one other milestone this yr when Chaz Mostert snatched the drivers’ title from Triple Eight duo Will Brown and Broc Feeney below Supercars’ new Finals system in Adelaide.

Walkinshaw TWG confused there will likely be no adjustments to its day-to-day operations and staffing ranges following United’s departure.

The Melbourne-based squad will proceed its preparations for 2026 because it leaves Ford’s steady to change into Toyota’s homologation companion.

“United Autosports, and extra particularly, Zak Brown and Richard Dean, have been nothing however incredible to work with since 2018. Whereas we’re all unhappy to see them go, we utterly respect their resolution,” stated Ryan Walkinshaw.

“We’ve shared in some incredible moments collectively, none greater than the championship in Adelaide just a few weeks in the past, or profitable Bathurst in 2021, and personally, I’ve actually loved working alongside them. It began as an thought to convey Andretti Autosport into the fold, and it wasn’t lengthy earlier than Zak was ensuring he didn’t miss out!”

TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss added: “We’re grateful for every little thing United Autosports has contributed to this group since 2018 and for the success we shared alongside the way in which. Their position in constructing the place we’re right this moment will all the time be an vital a part of our story, and we thank all the organisation, in addition to Zak and Richard.”

The 2026 Supercars season will start at Sydney Motorsport Park on 20-22 February. Walkinshaw TWG will enter a pair of latest Toyota GR Supra vehicles subsequent yr for newly-crowned champion Mostert and one-time race winner Ryan Wooden.