Unplanned call-up boosts Aaron Seton's wildcard return
Seton returns to Matt Stone Racing wildcard Camaro in Ipswich
Third generation racer to partner Zach Bates for enduros
A familiar setting will welcome Aaron Seton this weekend, as his expanded 2026 Supercars wildcard program comes to a close at the Century Batteries Ipswich Super 440.
The third generation driver is gearing up to make his second solo appearance as a Supercars driver, a situation that appeared almost impossible when he took a sabbatical from driving in 2024.
It all comes as an important period of preparation ahead of the Ryco Enduro Cup, which Seton will contest alongside rookie Zach Bates.
Seton is in line for plenty of laps around the 'Paperclip', with the weekend's action followed by the pre-enduro test day on Tuesday, and then a ride day on Wednesday. Seton also completed a full day of wildcard testing at Ipswich in June.
Armed with valuable laps at Ipswich, plus 500km of racing experience in his solo debut in Townsville, the two-time Bathurst 1000 starter is eager to climb further forward in the pack, but knows that his biggest task is beyond Queensland Raceway.
"This weekend's at a track that I know well, and I've had a test day at," the third generation racer said.
"To be able to develop on Townsville, and aim for The Bend so that I'm very comfortable in the car when I head on track for the first time in the co-driver session at The Bend, it's just learning the shorter circuit.
"There's no better preparation for The Bend and Bathurst than being in the car. It's cool to be teaming up with Zach in the Bendix MSR Camaro, and good to be involved with the team heading into the enduros so I know them all well.
"It's a good environment, and hopefully we can get a good result."
The 27-year-old kept a clean pair of heels in his first wildcard appearance at Townsville, an impressive feat given his late call-up following the withdrawal of Cameron Crick.
Seton and Crick shared MSR's wildcard entry at the enduros last year, and both were announced as graduating to the team's full-time entries for this season's enduros. However, amid ongoing health issues, Crick's spot alongside Jack Le Brocq was recently taken by Harri Jones.
"Seat time is the best preparation you can do for the enduros, so to have the program that we've had this year has been phenomenal in terms of seat time," Seton continued.
"Who would've thought a couple of years ago that I'd be making two solo starts this year? It's a very cool moment.
"My thoughts are with Cam Crick, who couldn't do Townsville, and is unable to do the enduros as well. It's hard for me to see as a friend, and I hope that he gets better soon.
"I know that he's working hard to get back stronger than ever, so hopefully we see him at a race track again soon, but in the meantime it's very special to be able to represent him at Townsville, and for me planned wildcard at QR I'll be thinking of him every lap.
"Just looking forward to getting there, taking everything we learnt from Townsville, and seeing if we can get out way a bit further up the grid."
Aaron's father Glenn will also be in attendance at Ipswich, as he has been throughout his son's career.
On-track action in Ipswich begins on Friday.
