The key to Winterbottom’s Team 18 extension

Charlie Schwerkolt has cited Gen3 as key to Mark Winterbottom’s re-signing with Team 18.

Winterbottom signed a two-year extension with the team, which was announced in New Zealand.

The news was somewhat lost in the drama of the weekend, with Winterbottom involved in a highly-publicised incident.

Winterbottom was penalised over a clash with Will Brown, who suffered a 56g impact.

The two drivers were later seen in a post-race discussion in the Erebus garage.

It was further proof that Winterbottom is serious about his involvement in Supercars, and with Team 18.

The 2015 champion left behind two decades of Ford to join Schwerkolt’s squad in 2019.

‘Frosty’ is still chasing a maiden podium for the team, but the veteran is expected to benefit from Gen3.

Winterbottom, who will bring up 600 races next year, is a student of low downforce Supercars.

Considering his experience, Schwerkolt believes his star driver will lift a gear in 2023.

“We’re both on the same page so it was quick and easy and we move on and look forward to obviously going into Gen3,” Schwerkolt said.

"I think Gen3 is a really big opportunity. Racing the Chevy Camaro will be a big thing for Team 18.

"He’s got the skill, it’s going to be raw for the driver – his attitude, the whole thing, I think it will be work really, really well for Frosty.

"I really think he’ll shine there for sure with the experience he has.

"He’s driven stock cars in Brazil and all that sort of stuff with less downforce and I think this is going to be his forte.

“I think Team 18 has really got a great chance to prove itself with this new generation car, really getting up there, so it’s exciting times ahead.”

Winterbottom reiterated his commitment to Team 18 despite going more than 100 races without a podium.

The 2013 Bathurst winner’s last podium came in May 2018.

"We started this with Charlie, I started it to get this team to the front,” Winterbottom said.

“He is an incredible guy to work for: a lot of passion, he’s hungry, he’s motivated.

“We have got a great team behind us so next year looks really strong.

"But that doesn’t mean we’re not trying to win Bathurst this year and stuff, we still have a lot to race for.

“But to know that two years, the team know that I’m here to stay, sponsors, everyone knows we’re onboard.

"It’s a journey and I’m not getting off it until we get to the front.”

Winterbottom’s re-signing seemed a formality, although it took until the weekend to be formalised.

The 41-year-old only signed the contract on the Friday in New Zealand.

“The good thing with Charlie, we shook hands and that was quite early and then you just put pen to paper,” he said.

“I’m so invested in this team, it’s not an option to even look anywhere else.

"You do have options at times but Charlie is very open with me, I’m very open with him and it’s a pretty easy decision.

"It’s just the formality to put pen to paper that sometimes takes time to do but we’re on the same page.

Winterbottom is 11th overall heading to Bathurst next month.