Maxwell keen to maximise Adelaide cameo with Eggleston

Eggleston Motorsport have secured a last-minute replacement for Cooper Murray at the VAILO Adelaide 500, with Super3 regular Thomas Maxwell making a one-off start in the #88 Commodore ZB.

Having contested the entire Super3 calendar to this point in a Nissan Altima with MW Motorsport, Maxwell initially looked set to be on the sidelines as Matthew White's team pulled out of the VAILO Adelaide 500.

Maxwell's teammate Cody Burcher claimed the Super3 title at Bathurst, and that combined with accident damage for both drivers forced the team to pull the plug, with Tony Auddino the sole entry in the category's final event.

However, an opportunity has presented itself for the Northern Territorian, who will slide in to the third Eggleston Motorsport Commodore this weekend alongside title contender Kai Allen and Jordyn Sinni.

"It was a very last minute opportunity," Maxwell told Supercars.com.

"Myself and the crew at Sign Point, we do all the wrap work for the team, so it actually stemmed from when we were fixing up some stuff from Bathurst and getting some stuff ready.

"They obviously had a late withdrawal with Cooper, and there was a seat to fill there, so the last minute opportunity kind of sprung about and it was one that we thought was a good one to move forward, and obviously an exciting one to finish the year on."

Maxwell last competed in Super2 with MW Motorsport in 2022, finishing seventh in the standings before competing in Porsche Carrera Cup last year.

Having secured second in this year's Super3 Series, Maxwell has kept expectations to a minimum for this weekend, despite Eggleston having been one of the Super2 benchmarks for several seasons.

"No real expectations I think heading in, that's always the good thing, it's just an opportunity to just go out and like any other weekend go out and have a crack and see where it leads," Maxwell said.

"My focus is to just go and enjoy it, and let everything else do the talking."

Despite keeping expectations low, Maxwell also knows that this weekend could present a big opportunity into locking away a drive next year in the Super2 Series.

Ironically, Burcher is one of two drivers currently confirmed at Eggleston next year, alongside Toyota GR Cup standout Bradi Owen.

"You're always looking at opportunities for next year and what they may hold, so we currently don't have anything locked in going into next year," Maxwell said.

"Any time you can get out and put your resume forward and have a good race weekend is always a weekend that is a good opportunity to take and to try and maximise.

"As always, that's always on your mind in trying to make next year happen."

Practice 1 for the Dunlop Series at the VAILO Adelaide 500 begins at 11:40am local time/12:10pm AEDT tomorrow. Tickets for the event are available now.