Supercars grid nears completion as MSR confirms Zach Bates

The grid for the 2026 Supercars season has just one spot left to be officially confirmed after Matt Stone Racing confirmed the signing of Zach Bates.

Bates will join forces with Jack Le Brocq in an all-new line-up for the 2026 season as he graduates from Super2, where he picked up the championship title this season.

The youngster also competed in the Enduro Cup events at The Bend and Bathurst in a Triple Eight-run Wildcard alongside Craig Lowndes, scoring a top ten finish in the latter.

Prior to that, Bates raced at Queensland Raceway at the wheel of the #888 Camaro.

Bates will step into the car vacated by Nick Percat following his decision to retire from full-time competition.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Matt Stone Racing and stepping up to the Supercars Championship full-time next year,” he said.

“This is a dream come true. MSR has a great track record with young drivers, and the opportunity to represent Bendix Racing in my rookie season is really special.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in and learn as much as I can from the team.”

Team owner Matt Stone was delighted to bring Bates into the line-up.

“Zach is an exceptional young talent and we’ve been watching his progress closely,” he said.

“He’s shown maturity, speed and a great attitude – everything we look for in a driver. We’re excited to give him his shot in the Bendix Racing Camaro and continue developing the next generation of Supercars drivers.”