Team 18 announces rising star Hall in Lowndes enduro wildcard

Bayley Hall has been revealed as a surprise Supercars debutant alongside Craig Lowndes in Team 18’s Chevrolet Camaro wildcard in 2026.

Hall, 22, will make his Supercars debut at August’s Century Batteries Ipswich Super440, before racing with Team 18 recruit Lowndes at The Bend and Bathurst.

The rising star has cut his teeth in recent years in Porsche Carrera Cup, notably contesting Australian and Italian campaigns in 2024, before representing Australia in last year’s Porsche Junior Shootout.

Hall becomes the latest young driver to emerge through the Supercheap Auto backed wildcard, which moves from Triple Eight to Team 18 in 2026.

The likes of Broc Feeney, Declan Fraser, Cooper Murray and Zach Bates all raced in the program, and all will be on the 2026 Supercars grid.

The announcement comes after Team 18 secured the #15 for the car, reuniting Lowndes with his championship winning number from the late 1990s.

“I have watched the Bathurst 1000 for as long as I can remember and every time I watched it, I have dreamt of one day becoming a competitor in this historic race,” Hall said.

"I can assure you I will be working harder than ever to be at my absolute best. I have to thank Charlie [Schwerkolt], Craig, Supercheap Auto and everyone at Team 18 and Chevrolet for generously giving me this platform to learn, grow and succeed.

“I have had the pleasure of getting to know Craig across the years he has commentated for Porsche Carrera Cup. Since I was six years old driving go karts, Craig has been my biggest inspiration in how to handle yourself as a professional driver outside of the vehicle.

"If we don't have fans in the stands we aren't able to go racing and I can't wait to be able to match his energy outside of the car and learn from one of the best behind the wheel of the Supercheap Auto Racing Chevrolet this year."

Lowndes said: “I’m really excited to partner with Bayley Hall in the enduros this year. The wildcard program has always been about identifying the right young driver and giving them a proper opportunity, and Bayley absolutely fits that mould.

“I’m looking forward to sharing a car with him, helping him through those first steps in Supercars, and hopefully putting together a combination that can surprise a few people.”

Team 18 owner Schwerkolt added: “It’s fantastic to have Bayley joining us for the Supercheap Auto wildcard. The program has been a launching pad for some amazing talent over the years, and we’re proud to select Bayley as the next one to come through that pathway.

“He might be young, but he’s already built a serious CV. What he’s done in Carrera Cup here and overseas shows he’s got the speed, the work ethic and the right attitude to take the next step.”