Matt Stone Racing close to announcing 2027 driver plans
Stone targets consistency, despite admitting "never say never"
Jack Le Brocq, Zach Bates formed all-new line-up in 2026
Matt Stone insists it’s not his team’s intention to change its driver line-up, despite admitting he’ll “never say never" to changes.
Matt Stone Racing is one of a number of teams yet to confirm 2027 plans, with Jack Le Brocq and Zach Bates forming an all-new line-up in 2026.
Penrite Racing, Red Bull Ampol Racing, Tickford Racing and Walkinshaw TWG Racing all have their lines-ups locked away through the end of 2027.
Dick Johnson Racing's Brodie Kostecki (2030), Erebus Motorsport's Jobe Stewart (2028), Blanchard Racing Team's James Golding (2027), Brad Jones Racing's Andre Heimgartner and Cameron Hill (2027), PremiAir Racing’s Jayden Ojeda (2027) and SCT Motorsport's Jackson Walls (2027) are also staying on.
The only Chevrolet drivers locked in beyond 2026 are rookie duo Ojeda and Stewart. Anton De Pasquale has been repeatedly labelled GM’s de facto leader, but he and Team 18 teammate David Reynolds haven't had their 2027 plans formally announced.
MSR has typically avoided broadcasting the length of its driver contracts, and speaking to media in Ipswich, Stone maintained he wants consistency with his line-up.
“We’re fairly close. Our plans are well underway,” Stone told media. “For us, our goal is continuity and consistency, and build towards the results we’re aiming for.
“For us, that means much of the same. All our stuff will be coming out in due course, but I wouldn’t be expecting much excitement there.”
Le Brocq returned to MSR in 2026 after two seasons with Erebus Motorsport, having raced for Stone’s team in 2022 and 2023. Le Brocq, like his team boss, was tight-lipped over his future when approached in recent weeks.
2024 Super2 champion Bates joined in 2026, having starred in wildcard opportunities for Triple Eight last year.
MSR co-owner Jason Gomersall’s son Ben is keen to impress in his Tickford wildcard this weekend, recently telling Supercars.com he was inspired by Bates’ own journey from wildcard to full-timer.
Stone's Yatala squad is also providing technical support to rising star Alice Buckley in this year’s DUNLOP Super2 Series, whilst running a factory Super2 program for Kiwi Ayrton Hodson and former FIA F3 driver Tommy Smith.
When asked if there was a scenario if his line-up will change, Stone replied: “I’ll never say never in this sport, but it’s certainly not our intention.”
Le Brocq holds down 10th in the championship, and the last provisional Finals berth, by a slender 20 points over James Golding heading to Ipswich.
