Roland Dane makes Supercars return with PremiAir Racing

Triple Eight founder Roland Dane will make a full-time return to the Supercars paddock in 2026 after being named as the new team principal at PremiAir Racing.

Dane, who has been carrying out limited consultancy work with the team this season, will take up the role on 1 January to lead the Chevrolet squad into the new campaign.

Having entered Supercars with Triple Eight more than 20 years ago, Dane led the team to multiple titles before Jamie Whincup took over as team principal back in 2022, with Dane then stepping away completely from the team last year.

News that Dane is to take up the position comes days after the team secured its best result yet at Bathurst, with James Golding and David Russell scoring a podium finish in the #31 Chevrolet.

“I have come to know Roland over quite a few years and I have always admired what he created with his racing empire,” PremiAir Racing owner Peter Xiberras said.

“The first time we met was in 2019 when I purchased my first Triple Eight car and he has been someone that I have highly respected ever since. This year we have been working with Roland on some projects for PremiAir Racing and having him go from a consultancy role to full-time will be a great opportunity for our team.

“The knowledge, expertise, and work ethic that Roland brings to the table is simply immense and having built Triple Eight into a championship dominating powerhouse, the decision to have him as our Team Principal is something that just makes sense from every angle.  

“I am looking forward to continuing to work with Roland in this new capacity in the new year, and to see what we can achieve together as we look to move PremiAir Racing up the grid.”  

Golding and Richie Stanaway have been the two PremiAir Racing drivers this season, although Golding has already announced he will depart at the end of the campaign to move to the Blanchard Racing Team.

Stanaway’s future is currently unclear amidst suggestions he could also depart at the year end, despite stating he has a contract with the team for 2026.

Either way, Dane’s arrival in the role marks a sign of intent from the team and is expected to generate additional levels of interest in the seat that is already available.

“I have known Peter for a number of years now and I have been following closely how things had been going with PremiAir Racing for quite some time, even before I started with the team in a consulting role this year,” Dane said.

“Working with the team this year has allowed me to really get a deep understanding of how the team operates and how they all work together, there are definitely some good points with this team but also room for improvement which I’m keen to get involved with next year.  

“I have Peter’s 100% commitment about making sure that the potential this team has is realised and I am greatly looking forward to the challenge as Team Principal in 2026, I would like to thank Peter and the team for welcoming me.”