Penrite Racing confirms new co-driver, enduro pairings

Penrite Racing has announced Dale Wood in its new-look enduro roster, with the Ford team confirming its 2024 pairings.

Current Porsche Carrera Cup Australia driver Wood will partner 2023 Bathurst winner Richie Stanaway, with five-time Bathurst winner Garth Tander shifting alongside Matt Payne.

Veteran racer Wood arrives from Brad Jones Racing, having partnered Andre Heimgartner in 2022 and 2023, and Nick Percat in 2011. Wood was already set for a new home in 2024, with Declan Fraser announced alongside Heimgartner in February.

Payne, who is fifth in the points, raced with French sportscar star Kevin Estre last year, with Tander partnering David Reynolds.

"We're thrilled to welcome Dale to the team," Penrite Racing CEO Brenton Grove said.

"His extensive experience in Supercars, particularly at iconic tracks like Bathurst and Sandown, coupled with his success in Porsche Carrera Cup, made him a standout choice for this year's enduro campaign. Dale's race fitness and familiarity with high-pressure racing situations will undoubtedly strengthen our team.

"We're excited to integrate him with Richie Stanaway and Garth Tander, bringing him in on all elements of the team.

Wood will make his 17th Great Race start at this year's Repco Bathurst 1000, and will get his first laps in a Penrite Racing Ford at test day on May 28.

"I feel extremely invigorated this year to be joining this team," said Wood, who has a best Bathurst finish of fourth, with Erebus Motorsport in 2017.

"I think there is a huge amount of excitement and positivity around this team at the moment, and to be a part of it is really motivating.

"Partnering with Richie, who I've always thought was a naturally talented fast guy, is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am excited to play my role and support him on these race weekends."

Stanaway, who is fourth in the championship after three rounds, said: "I'm excited to team up with Dale for the upcoming enduro rounds. His experience and track record speaks for him, and I'm confident that together, we'll make a solid team on the track."

Tander and Wood are also paired with drivers of similar height, making for "smooth" driver changes and fewer ergonomic changes to the car.

"I'm excited to share the car with Matt at Sandown and Bathurst," the 2007 Supercars champion said.

"Since Matt joined the team, I've closely mentored him and witnessed his rapid progress in Supercars. Our similar builds ensure smooth driver changes.

"Dale joining is also a great addition to the team; with Dale and Richie having similar builds, Car #19 will feature the taller blokes, and Car #26 the shorter blokes. I'm excited to have some fun."

The Penrite Oil Sandown 500 will open the 2024 enduro season on September 13-15, before the Repco Bathurst 1000 on October 10-13.

2024 enduro line-ups: What we know so far (as of May 1, 2024)