Gen3 a 'refresh' for Team 18
The start of the Gen3 era will prove a “great refresh” for Team 18, says owner Charlie Schwerkolt.
Team 18 will carry continuity into 2023 with drivers Mark Winterbottom and Scott Pye.
Schwerkolt has made a concerted effort to build the team, having recruited a number of key staff.
Notably, the team has brought in the likes of respected engineer Tony Dowe, Dennis Huijser and Bruin Beasley.
Team 18 already has two Gen3 chassis, which it will show off at a forthcoming open day.
The Mount Waverley squad will look after the assembly of its own cars.
Matt Stone Racing — another Triple Eight customer — will do the same, putting panels and other parts together.
PremiAir Racing will be the only team to take turnkey Triple Eight Camaros.
Schwerkolt with his first Gen3 chassis (left)
“One chassis is painted, and another one will be next week,” Schwerkolt told Supercars.com.
“We’ve got our Triple Eight gear and we’re getting clips soon — we’re getting it there.
“There are a lot of components coming in in the next few weeks.
“It’s coming together for us… it’s been nearly 10 years since I’ve had brand new cars.
“We want to build Team 18 and what we can do. We’ve got great people who know what to do.
"I’m so excited for next year, it’ll be a great refresh for our team.”
Winterbottom could take his best Team 18 series finish in 2023, with Pye also finding late-season form.
The 2013 Bathurst winner is ninth overall — his previous Team 18 finishes are 13th, 10th and 10th.
'It’s so important to have guys like Frosty and Scotty'
Given he has two veterans in his stable, and with Team 18 doing more assembly in-house, Schwerkolt is itching to get 2023 underway.
“There’s plenty of continuity and experience in our team,” Schwerkolt said.
“From the beginning of Gen3, experience will count — and we have lots of it.
“There will be so many unknowns with the new cars, but we have two fast drivers.
“It’s so important to have guys like Frosty and Scotty.
“Much of everything came from Triple Eight, but we now have greater opportunity to do more ourselves.”
Team 18’s open day will be held on Sunday November 27.
The 2022 Repco Supercars Championship will conclude on the Adelaide streets in December.
