Team 18 benches plans of Golding co-drive

Team 18 has benched plans to have James Golding as a co-driver amid speculation over the driver’s future.

Golding has been linked to the vacancy at PremiAir Racing.

The vacancy opened up after Garry Jacobson and PremiAir Racing parted ways after Darwin.

Golding last raced full-time in Supercars for Garry Rogers Motorsport in 2019.

He joined Team 18 in 2020 and raced alongside Mark Winterbottom at Mount Panorama.

The Victorian returned with the team alongside Scott Pye in 2021.

Golding hadn’t officially signed with Team 18 for the 2022 Great Race.

Golding won't return with Team 18

However, his pathway to PremiAir Racing has now been opened up with Team 18 taking him out ot its plans.

Team 18 also confirmed Michael Caruso will return alongside Winterbottom.

The team will confirm the co-driver for Scott Pye in due course.

"Team 18 has shelved plans to have James Golding as an endurance co-driver with the team for the upcoming Bathurst 1000,” a Team 18 statement reads.

"Golding had been slated to re-join Scott Pye for this year’s Great Race but has elected to pursue another opportunity.

"Team 18 wishes to extend their thanks to Golding for his contribution to the team over the past two years as an endurance co-driver and wish him well on his future endeavours.

"Team 18 will assess its options for a new co-driver to join Scott Pye for the 2022 Bathurst 1000 and will make an announcement in due course.

"Michael Caruso remains with Team 18 for a second Bathurst 1000 tilt and will co-drive with Mark Winterbottom in the #18 IRWIN Racing Team 18 Holden ZB Commodore.

"Team 18 will continue its preparations for this weekend’s NTI Townsville 500, with practice commencing on Friday.”

In the statement, team owner Charlie Schwerkolt added: "James has been a great endurance driver for us over the past couple of years, and we thank him for his efforts with our Bathurst 1000 campaigns.

"We have some really exciting options on the table to select a new co-driver for Scott and we look forward to making an announcement as soon as we can."

Cars will hit the track for dual practice sessions on Friday. Purchase your NTI Townsville 500 tickets now.

2022 Repco Bathurst 1000 combinations