Tom Schwerkolt set to take on Supercars stars
Team 18 will make the final round of the Cash Converters Supercars Eseries a family affair, with Tom Schwerkolt to steer a wildcard entry.
Teenager Schwerkolt, son of team owner Charlie, will race against in the All Stars category aboard a Team 18 wildcard entry on Wednesday.
Schwerkolt will compete in the IRWIN Racing colours raced by Mark Winterbottom in the 2021 Repco Supercars Championship.
The 18-year-old will join DEWALT Racing’s Scott Pye on the grid for the All Stars race at Watkins Glen.
It will expand Team 18's squad to three for the season finale, with pro gamer Cooper Webster to complete his Pro Series campaign.
"I’m really excited to race alongside the Supercar drivers virtually and proud to be racing for Team 18 with Frosty’s [Winterbottom’s] livery," the teen said.
"I’m keen to see how I go and I’m looking forward to a fun night on the sim."
The teenager has grown up in and around the Supercars paddock alongside his father.
The family acquired a racing simulator last year, with both father and son spending time getting up to speed in virtual Supercars on the iRacing platform.
It comes after Schwerkolt senior enjoyed a father-daughter road trip to the Tasmania event aboard the team's transporter in April.
"Since getting the sim last year, Tom has really taken a liking to having a steer behind the wheel," the long-time team owner said.
"When the opportunity came up for a wildcard I said, "it’s your time to shine now, you have to have a go.
"He will be in the deep end here and he will be pretty nervous mixing it up with Scotty and the full-time Supercars stars.
"Obviously I’m very proud to see him having a go and I’ll be watching with excitement."
Wednesday night's finale will see the All Stars take on Watkins Glen, with the Pro Series drivers set to tackle the Hungaroring for the first time.
Qualifying coverage for Round 6 begins at 7pm AEST and will be broadcast live on Facebook, YouTube and Twitch.
From 7:30pm AEST, racing will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 506, Kayo, 7Plus and Sky NZ from 9.30pm NZST.
Online fans from around the globe can watch races via the Supercars’ Facebook page, Supercars teams' Facebook pages, Twitch and YouTube.
