Whincup: Why Triple Eight pushed for huge driver deals

The working dynamic between star drivers Will Brown and Broc Feeney was too good not to lock down, says Triple Eight boss Jamie Whincup.

Announced Wednesday, Brown and Feeney have signed long extensions with Triple Eight Race Engineering. In a major driver market play, Triple Eight has now secured its two stars well into its new era as Ford’s spearhead.

The 2029 season will be Feeney’s eighth with the team, and Brown’s sixth. It continues Triple Eight’s precedent of signing long term deals, with Whincup full-time between 2006 and 2021, Craig Lowndes between 2005 and 2018, and Shane van Gisbergen between 2016 and 2023.

Given how well Brown and Feeney work together, Whincup was determined to keep it going.

"In motorsport, it's not easy to find a genuinely positive dynamic between two drivers,” Whincup said.

"So to have two guys who not only get along well but are also fully committed to the bigger picture —driving each other forward and lifting the whole team — is something quite special.

“That’s exactly why I’ve pushed hard to lock in this driver line-up for the long term. It’s a massive win for Triple Eight. Two of the best drivers in the field choosing to build their future here speaks volumes about what we’re creating.

“At the end of the day, drivers want to be in the best machinery, with the best team around them. Will and Broc wouldn’t have made this commitment if they didn’t believe Triple Eight could continue to deliver at the highest level. Their decision is a huge vote of confidence in our crew and everything we stand for.”

While they are the benchmarks on track, Brown and Feeney are among the most marketable drivers on the grid, despite their combined age being just 49.

Whincup insisted their personalities and energy life the rest of the team, adding: "Personally, I just love what these two bring to the table. They are, without doubt, two of the most naturally talented drivers in the country. Their driving is dynamic and exciting — it’s the kind of stuff that makes people fall in love with the sport.

"But it’s their attitude that really stands out. They’ve both got an incredible work ethic, not just when the helmet's on, but in everything they do. They’re the kind of people who return their shopping trolley to the rack when they’re done — genuinely good humans who care about the little things.

“Their enthusiasm is infectious and aligns perfectly with the mindset we’re building here: glass half full, team-first, possibilities are endless. That kind of energy lifts everyone around them, and it’s a big reason why we’re so excited about the future.”

Feeney and Brown are first and second in the points heading to next weekend’s Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440.