Pye to join Team 18 in 2020

Scott Pye will join Charlie Schwerkolt’s expanded two-car Team 18 operation in 2020.

The team has confirmed the deal a day after Pye’s impending split with Walkinshaw Andretti United was announced.

Pye, 29, leaves WAU after three seasons to join Mark Winterbottom at Team 18.

It marks Pye's fourth Supercars squad, having driven for Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport (2013) and DJR/DJR Team Penske (2014-16) before WAU.

Pye has one Supercars race win to his name, recorded at Albert Park last year on the way to a career-best seventh in the 2018 standings.

“I am really excited to be joining Team 18 in 2020, they’re a young team but at the same time they have already had a taste of success, and it’s refreshing to see what they have been able to achieve so far,” Pye said.

“I was immediately excited by the opportunity and I could see it would be a good fit for me.

“I am looking forward to working alongside Charlie, Mark and the rest of the team, to help them grow and move us to the front of the grid.

“Charlie’s intentions are very clear, and he is extremely motivated, so it will be great to be part of the team working together for one goal.”

Schwerkolt hailed the arrival of Pye as another step forward for his team.

“It’s a massive step to expand Team 18 to a two-car operation next year and I think Scott is the right person to get the job done for all our partners and crew at Team 18,” Schwerkolt said.

“Scott’s ability on-track is on the way up in the prime of his career and I’m confident the best is yet to come.

“He will make a great teammate for Frosty and we’re really excited to have him join the team in 2020 and beyond.”

Schwerkolt has already secured a Racing Entitlements Contract from Kelly Racing and a second Triple Eight Commodore for the expansion.

A major sponsor has also been signed, but is yet to be announced.