Matt Stone Racing signs Super2 champion Bates

The 2026 Repco Supercars Championship grid is nearly complete, with Matt Stone Racing confirming the signing of Super2 champion Zach Bates.

Speculation has been rife over the future of Bates all season, with the 21-year-old initially linked to a move to Brad Jones Racing and Toyota before rumours of an MSR deal caught momentum. Only recently did Bates tell Supercars.com that he was working towards being on the 2026 grid.

The Canberran is the fifth confirmed rookie for 2026, alongside Rylan Gray (Dick Johnson Racing), Jackson Walls (Triple Eight/SCT Logistics), Jayden Ojeda (PremiAir Racing) and Jobe Stewart (Erebus Motorsport).

Bates will take the reins of the Chevrolet Camaro vacated by the retiring Nick Percat, with naming rights partner Bendix also returning in 2026.

The rising star completes MSR's new-look line-up, following the recent confirmation that Jack Le Brocq will return to the team in the #4 Camaro. It leaves just one seat unconfirmed at Blanchard Racing Team, which is expected to be filled by incumbent Aaron Cameron.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining Matt Stone Racing and stepping up to the Supercars Championship full-time next year,” Bates said.

“This is a dream come true. MSR has a great track record with young drivers, and the opportunity to represent Bendix Racing in my rookie season is really special.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in and learn as much as I can from the team.”

Bates won the 2024 Super2 title with Walkinshaw Andretti United, and raised eyebrows with Triple Eight's main game wildcard at Ipswich, The Bend and Bathurst.

Notably, Bates reached the Top Ten Shootout at Queensland Raceway, and recovered to 10th in a chaotic Great Race alongside Craig Lowndes after a series of offs.

Team owner Matt Stone said: “Zach is an exceptional young talent and we’ve been watching his progress closely.

“He’s shown maturity, speed and a great attitude—everything we look for in a driver. We’re excited to give him his shot in the Bendix Racing Camaro and continue developing the next generation of Supercars drivers.”

Bendix CEO, George Kyriakopoulos said: "The team is entering the 2026 season with confidence as it welcomes Zach Bates to Bendix Racing.

“We are thrilled to have Zach Bates driving for the Bendix Racing Team.

“Nick put the Bendix team on the map with some high profile wins and we are looking forward to seeing Zach on the podium.”

2026 Supercars grid (as of Friday November 7, 2025)

Listed in current teams' championship order