Team 18 duo celebrate ‘inspiring’ Schwerkolt's 60th birthday

Team 18 drivers Mark Winterbottom and Scott Pye have wished team boss Charlie Schwerkolt a happy 60th birthday, calling him an ‘inspiration’ and a ‘great mate’.

Schwerkolt, who began the Mount Waverley-based team in 2016, is currently living in Queensland, having remained in the state since the Townsville doubleheader last month.

Ongoing COVID restrictions and state border closures have prevented Schwerkolt from travelling to Victoria.

Unable to celebrate with their leader in person and currently in lockdown in Melbourne, Winterbottom and Pye have shared their happy returns via their social media accounts.

Posting a photo of Schwerkolt attending his own 40th birthday celebrations earlier this year, Winterbottom shared his admiration for the businessman.

“Happy 60th birthday to my great mate @charlie.schwerkolt,” the 2013 Bathurst 1000 winner wrote.

“I have absolutely loved racing for you, and I can’t wait to see what’s to come in the future.

“I hope you have a great day, and we can’t wait to see you back in Melbourne soon.”

DEWALT Racing driver Pye shared a photo of himself and Schwerkolt celebrating the team’s first podium at the Darwin Triple Crown in 2020.

A second snap shows a candid moment of the pair, with the 31-year-old sharing his great respect for his boss.

“Happy Birthday to one of the absolute best!” said Pye.

“Inspiring every day mate, hope you have a great day! @charlie.schwerkolt.”

It comes after the Team 18 boss admitted he isn’t ruling out having to re-sign Pye via video call amid COVID-imposed restrictions.

Pye’s two-year-deal is set to expire at the end of the 2021 season, but he admits he is happy to remain with the team.

Winterbottom confirmed a two-year deal last year, ensuring the champion driver will be onboard until at least the end of season 2022.

Team 18 will resume it’s 2021 campaign at Winton Motor Raceway across October 2-3.