WAU reveals rookies' Super2 liveries

Walkinshaw Andretti United has taken the covers off the two Commodores for Ryan Wood and Zach Bates’ Dunlop Series debut seasons.

Wood and Bates will lead WAU’s return to the development series in 2023 from this weekend’s Thrifty Newcastle 500.

The team last raced in Super2 with Nick Percat in 2012. Percat now races for the team’s main game squad with Chaz Mostert.

The two rookies will race ZB Commodores this year, both with different liveries.

New Zealander Wood will drive the #2 Pacific Fuel Solutions Commodore, with Bates to drive the #25 Shaw Wines Affinity Constructions Australia Holden.

Both cars will carry major backing from East Coast Lubes and TES Mechanical Electrical.

Wood’s car is also backed by the Tony Quinn Foundation, Highlands Motorsport Park, Required Financial Services, South Fence Machinery, Australian Private Mortgages, Interior Works, Topline Civil, Reckless Brewing Co. Lockdown Apparel, Anthem Workwear, UMS and Kangan Institute.

Bates’ #25 is supported by Sullivans Financial Services, Pro-Duct. Reckless Brewing Co. Bates Advanced Driving, Anthem Workwear, UMS and Kangan Institute.

The two predominantly black liveries have been brought to life by PPG, Spicers Paper and Signzone.

“The Pacific Fuel Solutions No. 2 looks awesome, I can’t believe it's real and in front of me to be honest,” Wood said.

“Driving it this weekend is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time.

“I can’t thank all the partners, new and old, enough, their support has been awesome and I wouldn’t be here without them.

“The team has done an incredible job to get us here, everyone has been amazing, it’s going to be a massive weekend with a lot to adapt too quickly.

"I can’t wait to drive out of pit lane and get underway.”

Bates added: “It’s so exciting to reveal the Shaw Wines Affinity Constructions No. 2 here in Newcastle, it looks incredible.

“We’ve had a huge amount of support from our partners to get me here today, so I’m really proud to be representing them all this weekend, and can’t thank them enough.

“Being a part of the Walkinshaw Andretti United family has been amazing, they’ve welcomed me with open arms and have done such a good job getting the car here.

“So I’m just really excited to be honest, I can’t wait for that first lap.

“There is going to be a lot to take in this weekend, no doubt, but I’m also just so excited to get stuck in and see how we go, it’s a dream come true.”

The Dunlop Series grid — comprised of 20 Super2 cars and nine Super3 cars — will hit the track for practice on Friday.

Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.