Stanaway opens up on uncertain future
Richie Stanaway vows to finish 2024 "as strong as possible"
Stanaway and Penrite Racing will part ways at the end of 2024
Penrite Racing will announce replacement "in due course"
Outgoing Penrite Racing driver Richie Stanaway is determined to finish his 2024 campaign "as strong as possible" amid uncertainty over his 2025 plans.
Penrite Racing announced last week that it will part ways with the Bathurst winner at the end of the current season.
The Grove squad has yet to confirm a replacement driver, saying an announcement will be made in "due course."
For the immediate future, Stanaway — who sits 13th in the championship after seven rounds — is now a player in the driver market.
Speaking at a media call in Launceston ahead of the upcoming NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint, the Kiwi said he will "start working" on his future plans.
"I'm not sure yet, for me next season," Stanaway said.
"At the moment, still just focusing on trying to finish 2024 as strong as possible.
"I haven’t really had a chance to process where I’m at, so I’m sure I’ll start working on that in due course."
Stanaway kicked off his comeback year with a first-up top four finish at Mount Panorama, where he scaled Supercars’ peak with Shane van Gisbergen last October.
The 32-year-old has claimed four top 10s in 14 starts since, with teammate Matt Payne fifth in the championship.
In the wake of his recent Bathurst success, Stanaway is looking ahead to October's Great Race to breathe life into his campaign.
"It was obviously great to win Bathurst last year," he said.
"I had probably my strongest round of this year at Bathurst again, during the 500km race to start the season off.
"It gives me a little bit of confidence going back there this year for the 1000, just feel pretty comfortable around there.
"Hopefully it lines up well with having more time in the car throughout the year. We just have to see how things end up."
The 2024 Repco Supercars Championship will resume at the NED Whisky Tasmania SuperSprint on August 16-18. Tickets for the event are on sale now.
Live coverage can be found on Foxtel, with live streaming available on Kayo. Highlights will be shown on the Seven Network and 7plus. International viewers can follow all the action on Superview.
