Former Walkinshaw junior joins BJR Super2 program

Brad Jones Racing have become the latest team to confirm their driver lineup for the 2026 Dunlop Super2 Series, re-signing Brad Vaughan and welcoming second-year driver Matt Hillyer.

Hillyer arrives from Walkinshaw Andretti United, who closed their Super2 program at the end of last season to focus on their shift to Toyota in the Repco Supercars Championship.

The 2023 Australian Formula Ford Series will bring a little bit of Walkinshaw with him to Albury, as he is set to run the #2 ZB Commodore this season.

“Thank you to Brad and the team for bringing me on board for this year, I’m really excited to get to work with the crew there," said Hillyer.

“I’ve taken a lot of learnings and experience from last year and while there’s a new circuit added to the calendar, which will be a cool challenge up there in Darwin, I’m still going into this year with a lot more knowledge and understanding.

“BJR has a lot of support in their Super2 program and last year they were able to get some really awesome results, so I’m very keen to keep building on that.

“I have to also thank my parents for everything over the years and all of my amazing supporters of mine. Big thank you to Kangan Institute for taking me from an Apprentice Mechanic up through and into Super2.

"Also to all my other partners; Lloyds Auctions, Wash It Australia, Mentone Pre Mix, AGJ Cartage, Super Spill and Safety Solutions, and Boswen.”

2022 Super3 champion Vaughan had arguably his most impressive development series campaign to date last year, finishing as the best non-Tickford entry off the back of two poles, two runner-up finishes and victory in the final race of the season.

The speedy South Australian is looking to convert that recent form, which has also included an impressive speedway summer, into a run for the title in 2026.

“It’s awesome being back with the team for another season. At the end of last year everything really clicked in the squad and I’m excited to see what we can build this year," said Vaughan, who will continue with #80.

“I want to say thank you to Brad for his belief, he’s great to work with and a true racer, so your feedback gets heard. Thank you also to my supporters.”

“It took six rounds for us to build up to that win, so hopefully that means we can hit the ground running in Sydney and really start with a bang.”

The addition of Hillyer to compliment Vaughan has team owner Brad Jones believing that they are well placed to challenge for their first Super2 crown since Andrew Jones won the 2004 title on a tiebreak.

“I’m excited to bring Matt into our Super2 lineup. What he’s achieved so far in his young career is remarkable and he has such a strong work ethic which makes him such a formidable asset for our team," said Jones.

“We’re also very pleased to have Brad back for another year, he hit a lot of our targets in 2025 and we built a very strong platform with him.

“Seeing Brad win in Adelaide, at his home event in such a dominant way was incredible and a testament to him and our Super2 program.

“I believe we have a really strong line-up for this year and we’ve shown we have the capability to go out there, win and chase the championship.”

Both drivers could also feature in conversations around their main game enduro lineups, with no indications as to who will join Andre Heimgartner, Cameron Hill, or Macauley Jones in their Toyota GR Supras.

The 2026 Repco Supercars Championship and Dunlop Super2 Series will begin at the Sydney 500 from February 20-22. Tickets for the event are on sale now.