Co-driver update: BJR, MSR hold final pieces of 2026 puzzle

The co-driver silly season is coming to a rapid close, with only four spots remaining on the 2026 Ryco Enduro Cup grid following announcements by Tickford and Matt Stone Racing.

Last month, the former Ford factory team confirmed what had been long suspected in the return of Mark Winterbottom alongside Cam Waters, and the promotion of Super2 youngster Reuben Goodall to join Thomas Randle.

Yesterday, Matt Stone Racing locked down the first half of their co-driver line-up, with Cameron Crick joining Jack Le Brocq, and getting early laps in a third MSR entry at Townsville

That means that notwithstanding any further wildcard additions to the field, there are just four co-drivers remaining ahead of the AirTouch 500 at The Bend some six months away.

MSR are yet to announce a co-driver for rookie Zach Bates, and could also field a wildcard entry like they did last year for Crick and Aaron Seton, who could find himself alongside Bates.

The Queensland squad also field two rising stars in the DUNLOP Super2 Series, Kiwi Ayrton Hodson, and open wheel convert Tommy Smith, whilst the team also support Alice Buckley's family-run operation.

The only other team yet to lock down co-drivers for the enduros is Brad Jones Racing, who will have at least one change after losing Declan Fraser to a full-time opportunity with PremiAir Racing.

That means Andre Heimgartner will welcome a new co-driver, thought to be former full-time teammate Bryce Fullwood, whilst Super2 star Brad Vaughan and long-time BJR co-driver Jordan Boys are also thought to be remaining with the team.

There remains the possibility that more spots will open up should more teams decide to join Team 18 in running wildcards at the enduros.

Last year, both MSR and Tickford ran enduro wildcards alongside Triple Eight, who will not run a wildcard having expanded to support a third full-time entry run under the SCT Motorsport license for Jackson Walls.

MSR indicated that there will be more announcements made regarding their wildcard program, leaving the door open to running a third car in the long-distance races.

2026 Ryco Enduro Cup grid (as of Saturday March 14, 2026)

Listed in Round 3 pit lane order

WC = indicates wildcard entry