WAU reveals new workshop, launches Foundation Academy

Walkinshaw Andretti United has revealed images of its brand new Clayton facility in Melbourne, coinciding with the launch of the Walkinshaw Andretti United Foundation Academy.

The 3000-square-metre building is the new home of WAU and Walkinshaw Racing, with the entire racing business under one roof in a state-of-the-art facility.

The new site was revealed in front of partners, with the likes of Chaz Mostert and incoming main game driver Ryan Wood, addressing the crowd.

The team remains connected to its history in Clayton, where it has been based for nearly 30 years, highlighted by its success as the Holden Racing Team.

The Walkinshaw Racing side of the business, includes a fabrication shop, machine shop, engine shop, paint booth and stores.

In the other half of the workshop is the WAU car preparation area, temperature controlled sub-assembly and engine assembly room, as well as the transporter. The engineering and commercial offices are also connected.

The team also revealed its Walkinshaw Andretti United Foundation Academy, which has been established to provide opportunity and a pathway for the next generation of talent in Australasian motorsport.

The academy will help young drivers, engineers, mechanics, or commercial staff rise through the ranks. It comes after WAU promoted Wood from Super2 to Supercars in 2024.

WAU will give fans an opportunity to experience the new facility early in 2024 with an open day.

“It’s fantastic to officially open the doors to our new facility in Clayton, to have the entire team under one roof in a state-of-the-art facility now properly reflects our operations, but to also to launch the WAU Foundation Academy on the same night signifies the future of our team,” WAU Team Principal Bruce Stewart said.

“It’s a place everyone in the team is really proud of, looks fantastic, has increased productivity, and its seen collaboration between departments naturally skyrockets because of the proximity of everyone.

“We’ve seen the Foundation Academy in action already with the path that Ryan Wood has followed with us over the last 12 months.

“But it’s not just driver focused, we’ve been lucky enough to see the advancement of a number of young engineers, mechanics and commercial staff who have thrived once given the opportunity.  

“We’ve had some incredible support and donations so far from partners and organisations who committed to helping the future talent of motorsport here, and we can’t thank them enough.”

WAU will continue its Repco Supercars Championship campaign at this weekend’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.