WAU returns to Super2 with rookie Bates

Walkinshaw Andretti United will formally return to the Dunlop Super2 Series in 2023 with rookie Zach Bates.

Bates, 18, will make his Super2 debut in the Clayton-based squad’s two-car team next season.

WAU returns to Super2 for the first time in over a decade.

The team last competed in the second-tier series with Nick Percat in 2012.

"I'm really excited to be joining Walkinshaw Andretti United for the 2023 Super2 season," Bates said.

"To join a team with so much experience is super cool, it is a big step for me, but there will be no shortage of people to learn from, so I’m really excited to get underway.”

The Canberran joins the team fresh off a second-place finish in the Toyota Gazoo Racing 86 Australia Series.

He also led the points in 2021, despite that season not being classed as a championship due to COVID-19.

In 28 Toyota 86 starts across two seasons, Bates claimed 16 wins and 23 podiums.

He also won the New South Wales Formula Ford Championship in 2021, and claimed a podium on his Trans Am debut this year.

Team Manager Rob Starr will lead WAU's Super2 programme, with veteran Supercars co-driver Warren Luff to take on a driver development advisor role. 

Luff will work closely with Bates and his yet-to-be-announced teammate.

"We are so excited to have Zach Bates join us in our Super2 programme for 2023," WAU Team Principal Bruce Stewart said.

"He is such an impressive young man in every aspect.

"Returning to the Dunlop Super2 Championship has been a big focus of ours, but only with the right people involved.

"It’s a really important pathway for not only Zach and other drivers, but staff as well, from mechanics, engineers.

"It creates a pathway for a variety of different roles within our sport, so we are rapt to be competing, and to have Zach representing us.

"Importantly, we have some incredibly talented people involved, with Rob Starr leading the programme, with over 32 years of experience in our team.

"As well as Luffy there to help guide and nurture the young drivers with everything they have to deal with across the season… who better to learn from.

"We are really excited to see Zach develop in 2023, I’m sure his talent will become clear to all pretty quickly."

Bates will get behind the wheel of a WAU-prepared Super2 vehicle early next year, before his debut at the Newcastle 500 on March 10-12.

The teen’s teammate, as well as livery and partners, will be announced in due course.

The 2023 Supercars, Super2 and Super3 seasons will commence in Newcastle next March.

Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.