The co-driver class of the 2026 Ryco Enduro Cup adds a fascinating dynamic to what has already been a compelling and unpredictable Repco Supercars Championship season.
There are plenty of fascinating stories among the plethora of additional drivers joining the grid; champions in the twilight of their careers, those who have made careers as endurance specialists, or the rising stars looking to capitalise on the youth wave gripping the sport.
Given only six of the 2025 enduro combinations remain the same from year-to-year, the cast of co-driver characters have been bolstered by plenty of Supercars veterans, balancing out the retirement of Garth Tander and Jamie Whincup's decision to step back.
While there are plenty of questions surrounding the 18 new combinations, as well as the three wildcard entries, what we do know is that some co-drivers have big opportunities to score some big results.
Supercars.com picks out five co-drivers who will be worth keeping an eye on over The Bend and Bathurst.
Todd Hazelwood
Recent results and performances suggest he is the undeniable co-driver benchmark, and Todd Hazelwood does give Shell V-Power Racing a frightening combination of two genuine 'A' drivers. As proven at Bathurst in 2024 and The Bend last year, his combination with Brodie Kostecki is nigh on unstoppable when everything comes together. A constantly improving Dick Johnson Racing could spell bad news for the rest of the grid.
Will Davison
When Tander retired after a legendary sixth Bathurst win, Penrite Racing needed to bring in some serious firepower alongside Matt Payne. Will Davison ticks that box. Rejuvenated by his first season not racing Supercars full-time in 20 years, the methodical Davison could be the perfect replacement, and arguably has his best chance to snap his four-year winless drought.
Nick Percat
The addition of Nick Percat to Triple Eight's enduro roster is a fascinating one. Replacing none other than Jamie Whincup alongside Broc Feeney, the lanky Percat is also presented with a golden opportunity to add a fourth Bathurst podium. With Feeney safe in the knowledge of having 25 Finals bonus points secure as Sprint Cup winner, Percat is freed up to go on the attack, having been frustrated through 2025.
Richie Stanaway
Every cloud has a silver lining, but few could've predicted the silver lining for Richie Stanaway that is Blanchard Racing Team's impressive raw speed. Pair that with James Golding's proven enduro record, and BRT have every right to feel as though they can be right in the fight. After being let go by PremiAir two rounds before the 2025 season ended, the Kiwi seems to have well and truly landed on his feet.
Jaxon Evans
Having been lumped with uncompetitive SCT Motorsport/Brad Jones Racing equipment in his first four visits to Bathurst, Jaxon Evans now steps into a team that always turn it on in enduros. Though reliability concerns have troubled Walkinshaw TWG Racing through the season, Evans' combination with Ryan Wood promises excitement. Evans is eager to prove his worth in a Supercar, while Wood is hunting redemption after his 2025 heartbreak.
Honourable mentions
The co-driving field is quite possibly the strongest that has ever been assembled for any enduro season, picking out five was a mission in its own right.
Tim Slade was superb at Matt Stone Racing last year, and has an even better chance with Kai Allen and Penrite Racing in 2026. The likes of Mark Winterbottom and Scott Pye have transitioned seamlessly into their co-driving roles at Triple Eight and Tickford in recent years.
James Courtney and Bryce Fullwood join the co-driving ranks this season, and also shape as intriguing additions to Team 18 and Brad Jones Racing's rosters in their first year out of full-time driving.
That's not even mentioning 2025 Bathurst podium finishers Lee Holdsworth and David Russell, who return to Team 18 and PremiAir, or Lochie Dalton, who has been parachuted into the #99 Erebus Camaro that finished fourth.
