Pye, Team 18 to part ways

Team 18 and Scott Pye will part ways at the end of the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship, the team has confirmed.

Pye joined Charlie Schwerkolt’s team as it expanded to two cars in 2020, and scored three podiums in his first campaign with the squad.

The South Australian-born driver’s first of three Darwin podiums was the first for Team 18 as a standalone outfit.

Pye, 33, is 13th in the championship after eight rounds in 2023, with decorated teammate Mark Winterbottom 11th.

The teammates have been evenly matched in their time at Team 18, with Winterbottom breaking through to take Team 18’s first win in Darwin in June.

Winterbottom signed a contract extension with Team 18 late last year, having joined the team in 2019 after departing Tickford Racing.

The Pye news is the latest headline in a string of 2024 announcements made in the last fortnight.

Only this week, Penrite Racing confirmed the departure of David Reynolds, who will be replaced by Richie Stanaway. Reynolds, meanwhile, has been linked to Team 18.

Pye scored three podiums in 2020

Walkinshaw Andretti United also announced Nick Percat’s exit, with the team — like Team 18 — yet to formally announce its second driver.

In a Team 18 statement, the Mount Waverley squad said "announcements regarding the team’s 2024 driver line-up will be communicated in due course”.

For now at least, Pye is on the move, having been a full-time driver since 2013.

“It has been an incredible journey with Team 18 over the last four years, and I'm grateful for the experiences we've shared as a group,” Pye said.

“I want to thank the team, the crew on my #20 car, and my fans for their unwavering support.

“I’m excited for what the future will bring as I look ahead to new opportunities in the sport.”

Team owner Schwerkolt added: "Scott Pye has been a valued driver for Team 18 over the last four years and has contributed immensely to the growth and success of the team.

“He has produced some amazing moments in his time, including when he delivered our first three podiums as a standalone outfit in 2020, as well as a host of standout performances that will be etched in our history.

“We thank him for his hard work, dedication and professionalism and wish him all the best in his future racing activities.”

“We will continue to keep our foot firmly on the throttle as we aim to deliver our best possible performance in the endurance races and the remaining four rounds of the championship.”

How the 2024 Supercars grid stands (as of August 24, 2023)